#696 · Business Tool

Small Business Cash Flow Calculator

Use this Small Business Cash Flow Calculator to estimate net cash flow, ending cash balance, runway, and liquidity health. It helps you see how long your business can operate with current cash and monthly cash movement.

Calculator

Cash flow inputs
$
$
$
$
Ad space

How to use this calculator

Enter your beginning cash balance, monthly cash inflows, monthly cash outflows, and minimum reserve target. The calculator estimates net cash flow, ending cash, and cash runway.

What the result means

Positive cash flow means the business adds cash during the period. Negative cash flow means the business consumes cash and may need cost reduction, faster collections, or more sales.

Net Cash Flow = Cash Inflows - Cash Outflows. Ending Cash = Beginning Cash + Net Cash Flow. Cash Runway = Beginning Cash / Monthly Burn.

Cash flow is different from profit because invoices, inventory, loan payments, and timing can affect available cash.

Example calculation

If beginning cash is $30,000, inflows are $25,000, and outflows are $22,000, net cash flow is $3,000 and ending cash is $33,000.

Tips for better results

  • Collect receivables faster.
  • Delay nonessential expenses.
  • Keep a cash reserve for slow months.

FAQ

How many months of cash should a small business have?

Many small businesses target at least 3 to 6 months of essential expenses in cash reserves, depending on stability and seasonality.

How much cash reserve does a small business need?

A cash reserve should cover payroll, rent, debt payments, inventory, taxes, and emergency expenses for several months.

Why is my business profitable but short on cash?

A profitable business can be short on cash because of unpaid invoices, inventory purchases, debt payments, taxes, or delayed customer payments.

How do I improve cash flow quickly?

Improve cash flow by collecting invoices faster, reducing discretionary spending, selling excess inventory, and negotiating better payment terms.

How long can my business survive with current cash?

Divide your available cash by monthly cash burn. If burn is $10,000 and cash is $50,000, runway is about 5 months.

Cash flow metrics

MetricMeaning
Net Cash FlowInflows minus outflows
Ending CashCash after monthly movement
RunwayMonths cash can cover burn
LiquidityCash reserve status

Browse more calculators

Category hubs