How this calculator works
Runway is how many months you can operate before the bank balance hits zero. Founders often use cash ÷ burn, which ignores growth. This version lets revenue and costs grow every month, so you can see whether you reach break-even before the money runs out.
Use it before every hiring decision and every fundraise.
Formula
Worked example
A startup with ₹60 lakh in the bank, ₹8 lakh monthly revenue growing 6% and ₹14 lakh costs growing 2% burns ₹6 lakh this month. Revenue catches up with costs in month 16, before the cash runs out.
Things to watch
- Start fundraising when you have 9–12 months of runway left, not 3.
- Test a bad case: halve the revenue growth and see how much runway disappears.
- Include GST payments and annual costs such as audit fees in monthly costs.
Questions
What is burn rate?
The cash you lose each month: costs minus revenue. Gross burn is costs alone.
Is runway the same as profitability?
No. Runway is about cash. You can be profitable on paper and still run out if customers pay late.
How much runway should a startup keep?
Most investors expect 18–24 months after a fundraise, and a plan to reach the next milestone well before the end.
Can I see the monthly numbers?
Yes. The month-by-month table below the chart can be copied straight into Excel.
For planning and education only, not tax, legal or investment advice. Last reviewed 2026-10-31.