Emergency Fund Calculator
Updated on 20 Oct 2026 · Checked by Aotob
To cover 6 months of essentials you need $15,000 to fall back on.
You have $3,000. Saving $400 a month, you get there in 2 yrs 6 mos.
Emergency fund target
$15,000
Keep it in an easy-access account paying interest, not invested, so it is there when you need it.
Show the working
2,500 × 6 months = 15,000
15,000 − 3,000 saved = 12,000 to go
Targets by months covered
| Months | Target | Time to reach |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7,500 | 1 yr |
| 4 | 10,000 | 1 yr 6 mos |
| 6 | 15,000 | 2 yrs 6 mos |
| 9 | 22,500 | 4 yrs 1 mo |
| 12 | 30,000 | 5 yrs 8 mos |
Questions people ask
How many months should I save?
Three months suits a stable job with two incomes at home. Six months is a common target. Nine to twelve suits the self-employed, single earners or anyone in an unsteady industry.
Which costs count?
Only what you must pay if your income stopped: housing, bills, food, transport, insurance and minimum debt payments. Leave out holidays and eating out.
Where should I keep it?
In an easy-access savings account in your own name, separate from your everyday account. Not in shares, which can fall just when you need the money.
Updated 20 Oct 2026Source: CFPB guide to emergency savingsChecked by AotobAn estimate, not financial adviceReport an issue