Layoff Runway Calculator
Estimate how many months your savings will last after job loss
Layoff Runway Calculator
Calculate how long your savings will last after job loss
Who Should Use This Calculator?
Use this calculator to understand your financial timeline after a layoff. It's essential if:
- •You've been laid off and need to plan your immediate finances
- •You want to know how long you can support yourself without employment
- •You're deciding how aggressively to job search (longer runway = more time)
- •You're planning your emergency budget cuts
How This Calculator Works
Input: Total Savings
Enter all accessible liquid savings: emergency fund, high-yield savings, checking, etc. Do not include retirement accounts or investments you can't easily access.
Input: Monthly Expenses
Enter your total expected monthly expenses (rent, utilities, food, insurance, etc.). Use our Emergency Budget Calculator to break this down.
Input: Monthly Unemployment (Optional)
If you expect unemployment benefits, enter the estimated monthly amount. This reduces your monthly burn rate.
Calculation Formula
Monthly Burn Rate = Monthly Expenses - Monthly Unemployment
Runway (months) = Total Savings ÷ Monthly Burn Rate
Output: Risk Assessment
The calculator shows your runway in months and a risk level (Low, Moderate, High) based on how long your savings will last.
Example Scenario
Scenario: Mid-career professional after unexpected layoff
Monthly burn rate: $4,200 - $2,000 = $2,200/month
Runway: $45,000 ÷ $2,200 = 20.5 months
This person has about 20 months of runway, which gives them a "Low" risk profile. They can take time to find the right role rather than rushing into the wrong one.
Understanding Your Risk Level
High Risk: Less than 3 months
You need to act immediately. File for unemployment, cut non-essential expenses, and consider freelance or contract work.
Moderate Risk: 3–6 months
Focus your job search now. Build a lean budget and explore additional income sources to extend your runway.
Low Risk: 6+ months
You have time. Search deliberately for the right opportunity rather than rushing into the first available role.
Related Tools & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in "Total Savings"?+
Include: Emergency fund, high-yield savings, checking account, money market account, short-term bonds
Do NOT include: Retirement accounts (401k, IRA), stock investments, real estate, collectibles, illiquid assets
Should I include severance in my runway calculation?+
Yes, add severance to your total savings before calculating. If severance is paid monthly, you can subtract it from monthly expenses instead.
How accurate is this estimate?+
This is a simplified estimate. Actual runway depends on:
- Exact unemployment benefits (varies by state)
- Unexpected expenses (medical, car repairs)
- Additional income sources (freelance, side gigs)
- Changes in spending
What if my runway is very short?+
If under 3 months:
- File for unemployment immediately
- Cut non-essential spending now
- Reach out to your network for job leads
- Consider contract, freelance, or temporary work
- Explore gig economy options (delivery, rideshare)
- Apply for hardship assistance if available
How do I extend my runway?+
Ways to extend your runway:
- Reduce monthly expenses (use our budget calculator)
- Generate additional income (freelance, part-time work)
- Negotiate higher unemployment benefits
- Delay major purchases or payments
- Access emergency assistance programs
When should I start job searching aggressively?+
Recommended timeline:
- High risk (under 3 months): Start immediately, consider any opportunity
- Moderate risk (3–6 months): Ramp up search intensity, target quality roles
- Low risk (6+ months): Search strategically for the right fit, not just the first offer
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides simplified educational estimates only. LayoffNext does not provide financial or investment advice. Your actual runway depends on many factors including unexpected expenses, changes in income, employment opportunities, and personal circumstances. This tool is for planning purposes only.