Free Cash Flow Calculator
Will the money in the bank survive the months ahead? Cash in minus cash out, the projected balance at 3, 6, and 12 months, and - if you're burning - the runway until it's gone. Free, no sign-up.
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Profitable businesses still run out of cash
A distributor invoices 3,000,000 in a month - a profitable month on paper. But customers pay in 45 days, salaries and rent don't wait, and the supplier wants cash for the next consignment. The P&L says the business is winning; the bank balance says the salaries might bounce. Both are telling the truth about different things.
That's why this calculator insists on collections, not sales, and why the runway number matters even when the business is profitable: cash flow problems are timing problems, and timing problems are solvable - if you see them coming.
Cash Flow FAQ
How do I calculate cash flow?
Net cash flow = cash actually received per month minus cash actually paid out. Not invoices issued - money that landed. Collections of 1,500,000 against outgoings of 1,700,000 is a negative 200,000 monthly flow, and the bank balance shrinks by that much each month until something changes.
How is cash flow different from profit?
Profit counts what you've earned; cash flow counts what you've received. Invoice 3,000,000 this month and collect 800,000, and you're profitable on paper while the account runs dry. Businesses rarely die of unprofitability in a single month - they die of running out of cash while waiting to be paid.
What is runway?
How long the cash lasts at the current burn: cash on hand ÷ monthly shortfall. 2,000,000 in the bank with a 200,000 monthly deficit is 10 months of runway. Under 3 months is an emergency; under 6 is a project. The calculator flags both.
How do I improve cash flow fast?
In rough order of speed: chase overdue invoices (a polite reminder collects more than people expect), take deposits or part payments before delivery, shorten your payment terms for new work, slow down stock purchases, and negotiate longer terms with suppliers. Most of these move cash within weeks - cost cuts take longer to bite.
Should cash in be my sales figure?
No - that's the classic mistake this calculator is built to catch. Use what actually arrives in the account per month. If you invoice 2,000,000 but typically collect 70% within the month, your cash-in is 1,400,000 - the missing 600,000 is receivables, and receivables don't pay salaries.
How is this different from a Growpins Ledger account?
This calculator runs on your estimates. A free Growpins Ledger account tracks actual cash received against expenses month by month - its analytics show your real net cashflow, and its payment tools help you collect the receivables that fix it.
Estimating your collections?
A free Growpins Ledger account tracks actual cash received against expenses month by month, shows who still owes you, and helps you chase it - the receivables in this calculator are real rows in that one. Built by the team behind Growpins, founded by Dokun Bamigboye.
See your real cash flow - sign up freeCash tight because of unpaid invoices? The Payment Reminder Generator helps you collect - or browse all free tools.