Cash flow · 2026
Freelance Runway Calculator
Runway is not your bank balance. Money you owe the IRS is not yours. This subtracts it first.
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This money is not yours. Subtracting it is the point of this calculator.
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Runway6.6 months
- Actually available cash
- $23,200
- Net monthly burn
- $3,500.00
- Runway if nothing gets collected
- 4.6 months
- Status
- Comfortable
Estimate only. This calculator uses published federal rates for tax year 2026 and does not account for state tax, credits, or your full situation. Use the separate state calculator for a state-rate estimate. It is not tax or financial advice. Rates last verified 2026-07-25.
Transparent method
How this calculator works
- Add cash on hand to the collectible share of outstanding invoices, then subtract taxes already owed.
- Subtract recurring monthly revenue from monthly burn to find net burn.
- Divide usable cash by net burn and also show a no-revenue stress case.
What the result does not include
- Receivable timing and collection probability are estimates.
- One-time expenses, debt maturities, owner draws, and seasonality must be reflected in the inputs separately.
Common questions
Why subtract taxes from my balance?
Because that money belongs to the IRS and spending it creates a debt that grows with penalties and interest. Freelancers who fail do so most often by treating a healthy balance in Q1 as available, then meeting a quarterly payment they cannot make.
How much runway should I hold?
Six months of net burn is the common floor for freelancers, because sales cycles are long and client concentration is high. If a single client is more than 40% of revenue, aim closer to nine.