Emergency Fund Calculator
Work out your emergency fund using 2 to 6 months of expenses as the target, what you have already saved, and how long it takes. Everything runs locally in your browser.
Your inputs are processed in your browser and are not transmitted to our servers. Note: third-party resources (e.g. advertising and analytics from Google/Cloudflare) and an optional PayPal donation link may transfer data when loading or when clicked. Browser extensions or plugins may be able to read content that is visible in the input fields.
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Legal notice
Current as of: 11.08.2026.
The results reflect the legal and fiscal state as of the date stated above. They are provided for general information and initial guidance only. They are not individual financial, tax or legal advice, and no guarantee is given as to their accuracy, completeness or suitability for your circumstances. In particular, the results are not a substitute for an official or judicial assessment. Please check the information independently and seek qualified advice where appropriate, as you are solely responsible for any decision made in reliance on the result.
How to use this tool (video)
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Emergency fund calculator: how big should your savings buffer be?
The emergency fund calculator helps you set the right size for your savings buffer. As a target you choose two, three, four or six months of expenses. The German consumer advice centre recommends two to three months of expenses held in a daily-accessible account as a buffer for unexpected costs such as repairs, short spells without income or unplanned purchases. You enter your monthly living costs, what you have already saved and your monthly savings rate. The tool shows how much is still missing, how many months are already covered and how long it takes to reach the target.
How it works
Enter your monthly living costs: rent, groceries, insurance and all fixed expenses. Then choose the target size in months of expenses. Three months is the recommended default, two a leaner minimum, four or six suit a higher need for security or self-employment. Finally enter what you have saved so far and what you can set aside each month. The tool works out the target, the gap, your progress and the expected time to reach it.
What it can and cannot do
The tool gives an orientation value based on your inputs and the recommended target size. It does not assess your personal situation and does not replace financial, insurance or investment advice. Whether two or six months of expenses fit you depends on your income, your job risk and how much security you want. If in doubt, ask a financial advisor or the consumer advice centre.
Why local processing in the browser
Your data, meaning living costs, savings rate and amounts already saved, stays on your device. Nothing is transmitted to a server or stored. Especially for financial data that is a real protection for your privacy. After the page loads the tool keeps working offline because the assets are cached in your browser.
Frequently asked questions
How large should my emergency fund be?
The consumer advice centre recommends two to three months of expenses in a daily-accessible account. As the default you choose three months in the tool, but you can also pick two, four or six.
Do I need to be online for this?
No. After loading the page the tool works offline. Everything runs locally on your device.
Are my details stored?
No. All calculations run 100 percent locally in your browser. Your inputs are neither sent to a server nor stored.
Emergency fund or call-money account?
The emergency fund should be daily-accessible, for example in a call-money account. Long-term tied investments are not suitable.
Why several months of expenses as a target?
Two to three months of expenses cover most unexpected costs, such as a repair or a short gap in income. Self-employed people often plan for six months because their income fluctuates more.
Does the tool replace financial advice?
No. These figures are an orientation and do not replace individual financial or investment advice.