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Cash Flow Calculator

Add up your monthly income and expenses to see your net cash flow and savings rate, and project how it builds over time. Enter your numbers and press Calculate.

Written by TopicDrill Editorial Team·Updated June 2026

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Monthly income and expenses

Fill in your monthly numbers, then press Calculate.

Income

$
$

Expenses

$
$
$
$
$

Net monthly cash flow

$1,500.00

Total income$5,500.00
Total expenses$4,000.00
Savings rate27.3%

That is $18,000 a year you could save or invest.

Cumulative cash flow over time

$0$23k$45k$68k$90k0 yr3 yr5 yr

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How the cash flow calculator works

Cash flow is simply the difference between what comes in and what goes out. This tool groups your income and your main spending categories, totals each side, and subtracts expenses from income to show your net monthly cash flow. A positive number is a surplus you can save or invest.

The calculator also shows your savings rate, which is your net cash flow divided by your income. Tracking this single percentage over time is one of the clearest ways to see whether your finances are heading in the right direction.

A quick example

Suppose you bring home $5,000 plus $500 of side income, for $5,500 total. Your housing, transport, food, debt and other costs add up to $4,000. Your net cash flow is $1,500 a month, a savings rate near 27%, which is roughly $18,000 a year you can put to work.

Things to keep in mind

Use realistic averages, and do not forget irregular costs like car repairs or annual fees by spreading them across the year. For broad budgeting guidance, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a solid source. You can also try our other free calculators.

Frequently asked questions

What is net cash flow?

Net cash flow is the money left over after you subtract your total expenses from your total income for a period. A positive number means you have a surplus to save or invest. A negative number means you are spending more than you bring in.

How do I calculate my monthly cash flow?

Add up all the income you receive in a month, including take home pay and any side income. Then add up every expense, from housing and food to debt payments. Subtract total expenses from total income, and the result is your monthly cash flow.

What is a good savings rate?

Many planners suggest saving at least 15% to 20% of your income, but any positive savings rate is a good start. The higher your rate, the faster you build an emergency fund and reach long-term goals. This calculator shows your rate so you can track it.

How can I improve my cash flow?

You can raise income, cut expenses, or both. Start with large recurring costs like housing and transport, then trim smaller flexible spending. Paying down high interest debt also frees up cash flow once the balance is gone.

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