Enter Forecast Inputs
Use the calculator grid below. Large screens show three columns, smaller screens show two, and mobile shows one.
Preview Forecast Graph
This Plotly chart compares projected revenue, total expenses, net cash flow, and ending balance across the forecast timeline.
Example Data Table
This sample shows how the calculator organizes forecast values over six months.
| Month | Revenue | Expenses | Net Cash Flow | Ending Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | $13,000.00 | $9,622.00 | $3,378.00 | $13,378.00 |
| Month 2 | $12,240.00 | $9,222.58 | $3,017.42 | $16,395.42 |
| Month 3 | $12,484.80 | $9,324.53 | $3,160.27 | $19,555.69 |
| Month 4 | $12,734.50 | $9,427.88 | $3,306.62 | $22,862.30 |
| Month 5 | $12,989.19 | $9,532.64 | $3,456.54 | $26,318.85 |
| Month 6 | $13,248.97 | $9,638.84 | $3,610.13 | $29,928.97 |
Formula Used
- Monthly Revenue = Base Revenue × (1 + Revenue Growth Rate)month - 1
- Monthly Fixed Expenses = Base Fixed Expenses × (1 + Expense Inflation Rate)month - 1
- Variable Expenses = Monthly Revenue × Variable Expense Rate
- Tax Reserve = Monthly Revenue × Tax Reserve Rate
- Contingency = (Fixed Expenses + Variable Expenses) × Contingency Rate
- Total Expenses = Fixed + Variable + Tax Reserve + Contingency + Savings Goal + One-Time Extra Expense
- Net Cash Flow = (Revenue + One-Time Extra Income) − Total Expenses
- Ending Balance = Previous Ending Balance + Net Cash Flow
- Optimistic and Pessimistic Scenarios adjust revenue and expense assumptions using the variance rate.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter how many months you want to forecast.
- Add your starting cash balance to reflect current available funds.
- Input expected monthly revenue and fixed operating costs.
- Set variable expense, tax reserve, and contingency percentages.
- Enter a monthly savings goal to reserve cash intentionally.
- Add one-time income or expense items for month one.
- Use revenue growth and expense inflation to model future change.
- Choose a variance rate to compare optimistic and pessimistic outcomes.
- Press Calculate Forecast to show results above the form.
- Review the chart, schedule, and export results as CSV or PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does this calculator estimate?
It projects monthly revenue, expenses, savings, net cash flow, and ending balance across your chosen forecast period. It also compares optimistic and pessimistic scenarios.
2. Why use revenue growth and expense inflation?
They help model future changes instead of treating every month the same. This makes the forecast more realistic for growing businesses or rising operating costs.
3. What is the contingency rate?
It adds a safety buffer to forecasted spending. Many budgets include a contingency amount to absorb unexpected costs without breaking the plan.
4. Does the savings goal count as an expense?
Inside this model, yes. The savings goal is treated as planned cash set aside each month, so it reduces spendable cash while strengthening reserves.
5. Can I model one-time events?
Yes. Use the one-time extra income and one-time extra expense fields to capture unusual items, such as grants, repairs, bonuses, or equipment purchases.
6. What does the variance scenario mean?
The variance rate stress-tests the plan. The optimistic case increases revenue and eases expenses, while the pessimistic case lowers revenue and raises expenses.
7. When is a negative ending balance important?
A negative ending balance can signal funding pressure, overspending, or delayed revenue. It is a warning to adjust assumptions, cut costs, or raise reserves.
8. Is this a substitute for accounting advice?
No. It is a planning tool for projections. Use it alongside bookkeeping records, tax guidance, and professional financial advice when decisions are significant.