How to size an emergency fund
Turn essential costs into a target and a plan.
List essential expenses
Include housing, food, utilities, insurance, transport and minimum debt payments.
Choose your cover
Use three to six months as a baseline, then adjust for income stability.
Set a monthly contribution
The calculator shows how many months are left at your current saving rate.
What does this tool do?
An emergency fund is a buffer for income loss, urgent repairs or medical bills. A common target is three to six months of essential expenses. This calculator turns that target into a monthly saving plan.
The Formula
Target = Monthly essential expenses × Months of coverFrequently Asked Questions
How many months of expenses should I save?
Three to six months is a common starting point. Six to twelve months is more suitable for freelancers, single-income households or people with high fixed costs.
Should I invest my emergency fund?
The priority is access and stability, not maximum return. A high-yield savings account or short-term deposit is usually more appropriate than volatile investments.