What you get
Three files, instant download
Excel / Google Sheets Template
The .xlsx file works in Microsoft Excel 2016 and later, plus Google Sheets. No macros. No add-ins required.
Step-by-Step Instructions
A complete HTML guide covering setup, how each tab works, and answers to the most common questions about the template.
Printable Worksheet
A clean, print-ready version so you can plan on paper first and fill in the spreadsheet later. No printer? Skip it entirely.
How it works
Business Startup Cost Calculator
Most businesses that fail in year one ran out of money, not ideas. The failure usually traces back to not knowing what the actual monthly cost of operation was, and not saving enough runway before launch.
This calculator forces the honest accounting before you've spent anything.
You enter every one-time cost (entity formation, equipment, website, branding, first inventory run) and every monthly ongoing cost (software subscriptions, insurance, rent, any contractors). Then you enter your projected monthly revenue ramp. The calculator tells you at what month you reach breakeven and how much cash you need to carry through to that point.
What's in the file:
- One-time startup costs inventory: pre-loaded with the most common categories
- Monthly operating cost inventory: rent, utilities, software, payroll, marketing, insurance
- Funding sources section: personal savings, business loan, investor capital
- Runway calculator: total cash available divided by monthly burn rate
- Revenue ramp tab: enter Month 1, Month 3, Month 6, Month 12 revenue projections
- Breakeven estimate: at what revenue month do monthly revenue exceed monthly costs
Works in Excel and Google Sheets.
Features
What's inside
- One-time startup costs: equipment, licenses, branding, setup
- Monthly ongoing costs: rent, software, payroll, insurance
- Funding sources: savings, loans, investors, grants
- Runway calculator: months of operation before breakeven needed
- Breakeven month estimate based on projected revenue
- Works in Excel 2016+ and Google Sheets
Inside the template
Sample data
Real numbers showing what the spreadsheet looks like once you enter your information.
| COST ITEM | AMOUNT | TYPE |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Formation | $150 | One-time |
| Website + Domain | $500 | One-time |
| Equipment | $3,800 | One-time |
| Software / Tools | $290 | Monthly |
| Insurance | $120 | Monthly |
| Runway at $2k/mo cost | -- | 8 months |
Ready to start
Business Startup Cost Calculator
All sales are final, since the file arrives the moment you pay. If it will not open or does not match this page, tell us and we will make it right. Full terms.
Instant download after purchase. Works in Excel and Google Sheets. No macros, no subscription, no setup beyond entering your numbers.
Microsoft Excel 2016+ Google Sheets
Common questions
FAQ
Does it include operating runway or only one-time costs?
Both, and the runway is the half that gets underestimated. One-time costs are easy to list. Months of operating expenses before the business covers its own costs are harder to face, and businesses that fail on cash usually budgeted the first category properly and the second one not at all.
How much cushion should I add?
The calculator applies a contingency percentage you set, with 20% as a starting point and higher for anything involving construction, permits, or custom equipment. Overruns in those categories are the norm rather than the exception, and a contingency line is cheaper than an emergency loan.
Does it work for a service business with no inventory?
Yes. Inventory is one category among many and can be left at zero. A service business shifts the weight onto equipment, software, insurance, licensing, and the runway months before revenue is steady, all of which have their own lines.
How do I get the files after buying?
Stripe takes the payment and the download link is emailed within a few seconds, no account needed. The link lasts 30 days and allows 10 downloads. Lost it? Send yourself a fresh one.
Refunds, file formats, Google Sheets, and customizing the template are covered on the templates page.