How the calculation works
The goal is your essential monthly spending times the months you want to cover. The gap is what you still need, and the time is the gap divided by your monthly saving.
Goal = essential spending per month × months
Gap = goal − saved now
Time = gap ÷ saving per month, rounded up to whole months
Worked example
Essential spending 2,500 a month, 6 months, 3,000 saved, 300 saved a month.
- Goal: 2,500 × 6 = 15,000.
- Gap: 15,000 − 3,000 = 12,000.
- Time: 12,000 ÷ 300 = 40 months, which is 3 years and 4 months.
What this calculator does not include
- Interest on the buffer.
- Changes in your spending or income.
- Your own situation: how secure your job is, insurance and who depends on you.
Amounts are rounded for display only; the calculation itself is not rounded. Results are estimates for information, not financial advice. Last updated: 13 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is an emergency fund?
A buffer of easily available cash for surprises such as a broken boiler, a car repair or a gap in income. It keeps you from borrowing or selling investments at a bad moment.
How many months should I keep?
Rules of thumb often range from 3 to 6 months of essential spending. If your income is irregular, you have dependants or only one household income, many people keep more. It is your own decision.
What counts as essential spending?
What you must pay each month if things go wrong: housing, utilities, food, insurance, transport, debt payments and care. Leave out extras you could stop quickly.
Where should I keep the buffer?
Somewhere safe and easy to reach, for example a savings account. Because it is for emergencies, it is usually not invested in assets that can fall in value.
Does the calculator include interest?
No. It divides the gap by your monthly saving. Interest would shorten the time a little.