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How to Calculate Monthly Burn Rate

Monthly Burn Rate Formula:

\[ Monthly\ Burn = \frac{Total\ Expenses}{Months} \]

$
months

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1. What is Monthly Burn Rate?

The Monthly Burn Rate is a financial metric that calculates the average amount of money a company spends per month. It's particularly important for startups and businesses to understand their cash flow and runway.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Monthly Burn Rate formula:

\[ Monthly\ Burn = \frac{Total\ Expenses}{Months} \]

Where:

Explanation: This formula calculates the average monthly expenditure by dividing total expenses by the number of months in the period.

3. Importance of Monthly Burn Rate Calculation

Details: Understanding monthly burn rate is crucial for financial planning, cash flow management, and determining how long a company can operate before needing additional funding.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total expenses in dollars and the number of months for the period. All values must be valid (expenses > 0, months > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good monthly burn rate?
A: A good burn rate depends on the company's stage, funding, and growth strategy. Generally, it should allow for 12-18 months of runway.

Q2: How is burn rate different from cash flow?
A: Burn rate specifically measures cash outflow, while cash flow considers both inflows and outflows of cash.

Q3: What expenses should be included?
A: Include all operating expenses - salaries, rent, utilities, marketing, software, and other business costs.

Q4: How often should burn rate be calculated?
A: Monthly calculation is recommended for active monitoring, with quarterly reviews for strategic planning.

Q5: What is gross burn vs net burn?
A: Gross burn is total cash spent, while net burn is cash spent minus any revenue generated.

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