The right emergency fund size depends on how stable your income is, not on a single magic number. Here's the framework most planners use — and how to compute yours in seconds.
| Situation | Months of essentials |
|---|---|
| Stable job, dual income, low expenses | 3 months |
| Single income or freelance/commission | 6 months |
| Highly variable income, sole breadwinner | 12 months |
Count essential expenses: housing, food, transport, utilities, insurance, minimum debt payments. Not your full lifestyle — the fund covers survival, not your usual fun spending.
Too small: one broken car or medical bill becomes new high-rate debt. Too large: money that could be earning (or paying off debt) sits idle in cash. 3-6 months is the sweet spot for most people; 12 only when income genuinely swings.
Enter your monthly essentials — get your 3/6/12-month targets and a savings plan, free.
Open the Emergency Fund CalculatorGet the Excel Budget Planner ($9.99)Use your actual essential spending, not gross income — what you need to keep the lights on.
Every month of runway you already have is runway you don't need to build. The calculator shows your remaining gap.
Plan a family budget with the 50/30/20 rule and track spending by category. Free, no sign-up, works offline.
Open Family Budget →This page provides general financial education. It is not financial advice. Consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.