Emergency Fund Calculator
How big should your safety net actually be? This adjusts the standard advice for your income stability and the people who depend on you, then gives you a real dollar target.
| Cushion level | Months | Amount to save |
|---|---|---|
| Bare floor | -- | -- |
| Recommended for you | -- | -- |
| Extra peace of mind | -- | -- |
How this is calculated
There is no single right number, so this tool starts from the standard advice and adjusts it for the two things that matter most: how reliable your income is, and how many people depend on it.
The base is set by income stability: three months if your pay is very stable, four for a regular employee, six if your income is variable, and nine if it is highly variable or self employed. It adds one month if your household relies on a single income, because there is no second paycheque to fall back on, and half a month for each dependent, up to three months. The total is capped at twelve months, since beyond that the money usually works harder invested or paying down debt.
Your dollar target is simply months multiplied by your monthly essential expenses. We size it to essentials, not total spending, because in a real emergency you would pause the extras.
Being honest about the number
If you have strong, stable employment with good notice periods and access to Employment Insurance, the lower end of your range is genuinely fine. If you are self employed, on contract, or the only earner for a family, do not talk yourself out of the higher number. Build it gradually. Even one month saved changes how a surprise bill feels.
Keep this money somewhere safe and quick to reach, like a high interest savings account. It is not investment money, so it should not ride the market.
Next steps
Bremo is an independent Canadian personal finance resource, not a financial institution or an adviser. This tool is for general education. Figures are estimates based on the numbers you enter. Verify anything important with a qualified professional.
Every field updates the result as you type. No signup, no email, no data leaves your browser.