Startup Cost Calculator

What this calculator does

Add five user-entered startup cost categories and show a simple 15% contingency scenario; it does not calculate runway without a burn-rate input.

Scope, period, and currency

This page runs a local formula from user-entered values. The country/currency selector changes money symbols and formatting only: it does not perform live or historical FX conversion or automatically change contract, tax, accounting, or regulatory rules. Convert all amounts into one currency first and keep periods and metric definitions consistent.

Formula variables

E

Equipment.

L

Legal and setup.

I

Initial inventory.

M

Launch marketing.

W

Working capital entered by the user.

Formula and worked example

Formula: Startup total = E + L + I + M + W; contingency scenario = total × 1.15.

Recalculation: $12,000 + $2,500 + $18,000 + $8,000 + $30,000 = $70,500. A 15% illustrative contingency gives $81,075. Runway cannot be derived without monthly net cash burn.

Model assumptions

• The five categories contain every item the user intends to model.
• The 15% contingency is an illustrative assumption, not a universal standard.
• Working capital is an entered amount, not a calculated runway.

Reading the result and model boundary

• The total is only as complete as the categories entered.
• The result shows the entered working-capital reserve but deliberately does not claim runway months without cash-flow inputs.

This is a five-category sum and contingency scenario, not a complete business plan or runway model.

How to use it

1. Build a detailed startup-cost inventory first.
2. Map items into the five fields without double counting.
3. Add a contingency justified by the business and calculate runway separately from monthly burn.

Common incorrect uses

• Assuming five fields cover every startup expense.
• Treating 15% as mandatory or sufficient.
• Claiming runway from working capital without a monthly burn rate.

Suggested verification workflow

1. Inventory one-time and recurring costs.
2. Calculate total and scenario contingency.
3. Build a separate monthly cash-flow runway model.

FAQ

Method and review boundary

Results are calculated locally in the browser from the formula shown on this page. The tool does not retrieve live rates, quotes, approvals, or billing data. Last reviewed: July 24, 2026.

Use the result for first-pass estimates, scenario comparison, and question preparation; it is not financial, investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice.

Authoritative sources and notes

• Calculate startup costs - U.S. Small Business Administration
• Publication 583: Starting a Business - Internal Revenue Service

Sources checked July 24, 2026. Rates, product rules, and official guidance can change; verify them again before a formal decision.