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Startup Runway Calculator
Model your zero-cash date with monthly burn, revenue, and revenue growth. See when you hit default alive.
Net monthly burn
$15,000
Zero-cash date
∞
Default alive?
Yes
12-month projection
| Month | Revenue | Net burn | Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $5,000 | $15,000 | $250,000 |
| 1 | $5,500 | $14,500 | $235,000 |
| 2 | $6,050 | $13,950 | $220,500 |
| 3 | $6,655 | $13,345 | $206,550 |
| 4 | $7,321 | $12,679 | $193,205 |
| 5 | $8,053 | $11,947 | $180,526 |
| 6 | $8,858 | $11,142 | $168,578 |
| 7 | $9,744 | $10,256 | $157,436 |
| 8 | $10,718 | $9,282 | $147,179 |
| 9 | $11,790 | $8,210 | $137,897 |
| 10 | $12,969 | $7,031 | $129,687 |
| 11 | $14,266 | $5,734 | $122,656 |
| 12 | $15,692 | $4,308 | $116,921 |
Burn rate calculator
Your burn rate drives everything above. Gross burn is total monthly expenses; net burn is expenses minus revenue — the number investors actually ask about.
Gross burn / month
$20,000
Net burn / month
$15,000
Annual net burn
$180,000
Benchmarks: pre-seed startups typically burn $20K–$50K per month, seed-stage $50K–$150K. A net burn that leaves you under 12 months of runway at your current cash balance is a red flag for most investors — 18+ months is the comfortable zone.
Change the monthly burn and revenue inputs above and these numbers update instantly, along with your zero-cash date and default-alive verdict.
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Next step
Know what YC money does to this runway
The standard $125K + $375K deal changes your zero-cash date. See exactly how the money lands and what it costs you.
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How to use this tool
Step 1
Enter cash and burn
Start with your bank balance and monthly operating burn.
Step 2
Add revenue and growth
Include current monthly revenue and expected monthly growth %.
Step 3
Read the date
See your zero-cash date and whether revenue crosses burn before then.
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FAQ
What is default alive?
A startup is default alive if its revenue growth will make it profitable before it runs out of cash — without raising more money.
How do I extend my runway?
Raise revenue, cut burn, or raise capital. Most YC companies focus on revenue first because it improves both runway and valuation.
Should I include revenue growth?
Yes. If revenue is growing, your net burn shrinks over time, which extends runway beyond a simple cash/burn calculation.
Is the runway calculator free?
Yes. It's free, needs no signup, and your numbers never leave the browser.
How do you calculate burn rate?
Gross burn is your total monthly expenses. Net burn is expenses minus revenue. Investors usually mean net burn when they ask about your burn rate.
What is a good burn rate for a startup?
A common rule is net burn that leaves you 18+ months of runway. Pre-seed startups often burn $20K–$50K/month; seed-stage $50K–$150K/month.
What is the difference between gross and net burn?
Gross burn ignores revenue entirely — it's everything you spend. Net burn subtracts revenue, so it's the actual cash you lose each month.
What does 'default alive' mean?
Paul Graham's term for a startup that reaches profitability on its current cash and growth rate before running out of money. The calculator shows which side of that line you're on.
Keep reading
Deep dive
The $500K YC Deal →
How the standard $125K + $375K SAFE actually works.
Deep dive
The YC SAFE, Explained →
Post-money SAFE mechanics, cap tables, and what founders actually sign.
Playbook
How to Apply to YC →
Application questions, video tips, and what partners look for.
RFS
YC Company Brain →
Tom Blomfield's enterprise AI layer — decoded.
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