Business
Startup Cost Total Calculator
Add up one-off startup costs and a contingency buffer so the launch budget is realistic.
The result is the total startup budget, which is the base one-off costs plus the entered contingency percentage.
Formula
Startup total = (equipment + licences + initial stock) multiplied by (1 + contingency percentage divided by 100).
How it works
List the main one-off costs of getting started, then add a contingency percentage for surprises, which almost every launch has. The buffer keeps a small overrun from stopping the business before it opens.
Worked example
For example, $5,000 + $1,000 + $3,000 = $9,000, and adding 10% contingency gives $9,000 × 1.10 = $9,900.
FAQs
How big should the contingency be?
Ten to twenty percent is common for a small launch. New or unusual setups may need more.
Are monthly costs included?
No, this covers one-off launch costs only. Monthly running costs belong in a separate operating budget.
What if I forget a cost?
That is exactly what the contingency is for, but still list every cost you can think of first.
Estimates only, not financial advice. Check your figures before making a business decision.
Related calculators
Annual Recurring Revenue Calculator
Instant result, no sign-up.
All tools are free.
Each page shows the formula it uses, so you can check the result yourself.
Built for phone browsers.
Start with a free calculator
Search, pick a calculator, and get an instant result. No sign-up, no download.