Estimate your emergency-fund runway
See how long your available savings could cover essential spending during an income disruption, then calculate the gap to your own target.
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Your assumptions
Planning estimate
This estimate assumes spending, income and contributions remain constant.
Compare savings toolsHow the estimate works
- Available cash equals emergency savings minus the reserve you choose to protect.
- Monthly draw equals essential spending minus expected disruption income, never below zero.
- Runway equals available cash divided by monthly draw.
- Your target includes the protected reserve plus the selected number of months of estimated draw.
Use the result as a scenario, not a forecast
Actual expenses and income can change quickly. Consider testing a higher-spending case and a lower-income case. This educational tool does not account for investment losses, taxes, debt interest, withdrawal restrictions, deposit-insurance limits or eligibility for government benefits.
Do not enter account numbers or other identifying information. Confirm product terms directly with the financial institution before moving money.
Emergency fund questions
How many months should an emergency fund cover in Canada?
There is no universal target. Many people test three to six months of essential expenses, then adjust for job stability, household income, insurance and other available resources.
How do I calculate how long my emergency fund will last?
Subtract any reserve you want to protect from available savings, then divide the remainder by essential monthly spending minus reliable monthly income during the disruption.
Should income received during an emergency be included?
You can include income you reasonably expect to continue, but it is useful to test a conservative scenario with lower income or higher expenses.