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Startup Cost Calculator

Estimate the total cost of launching your business. Covers legal fees, equipment, marketing, and working capital.

Business Type

One-Time Startup Costs

Legal & Registration

Equipment & Furniture

Rent & Security Deposit

Initial Inventory

Working Capital (cash reserve)

Other One-Time Costs

Monthly Recurring Costs

Software & Technology

Marketing & Advertising

Insurance

Monthly Rent

Other Monthly Costs

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business?

Startup costs vary dramatically depending on your business type, location, and scale. Understanding your costs before you launch helps you raise the right amount of capital, set realistic pricing, and avoid running out of cash in the critical first year.

Typical Startup Costs by Business Type

Freelance / Solo Consulting: $2,000 – $5,000. Mostly equipment, software, and basic legal filings. The lowest barrier to entry.
Online Business / E-commerce: $3,000 – $10,000. Website development, initial marketing, and possibly inventory depending on your model.
Consulting Firm: $5,000 – $15,000. Professional liability insurance, branding, and marketing are the main expenses.
SaaS (Software as a Service): $10,000 – $50,000. Development costs, cloud infrastructure, and a longer runway before revenue are the primary drivers.
Retail Store: $30,000 – $100,000+. Lease deposits, buildout, fixtures, initial inventory, and signage add up quickly.
Restaurant: $75,000 – $500,000+. Kitchen equipment, permits, buildout, staffing, and inventory make restaurants one of the most capital-intensive small businesses.

One-Time vs. Recurring Costs

It is essential to separate one-time startup costs (legal fees, equipment purchases, security deposits) from ongoing monthly expenses (rent, software subscriptions, marketing, insurance). Your monthly burn rate determines how long your working capital will last.

How Much Runway Do You Need?

Most experts recommend having at least 3 to 6 months of operating expenses in reserve before launching. This gives you time to build revenue without the pressure of running out of cash. For businesses with longer sales cycles (SaaS, consulting), 6 to 12 months is more appropriate.

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How to Use the Startup Cost Calculator

1
Enter your values
Open the Startup Cost Calculator and fill in the required input fields with your numbers or selections.
2
Review the calculation
The tool automatically computes the result as you type. Double-check your inputs to ensure accuracy.
3
Interpret your results
Review the calculated output along with any breakdowns, charts, or explanations provided to understand what the numbers mean for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Startup Cost Calculator?

The Startup Cost Calculator is a free browser-based tool on ConvertCrunch. Estimate the total cost of launching your business. Covers legal fees, equipment, marketing, and working capital. It requires no downloads, installations, or account signups. Simply enter your values and get instant, accurate results. The tool is designed for quick calculations and informed decision-making, whether you are a professional, student, or everyday user looking for reliable answers.

How do I use the Startup Cost Calculator?

Using the Startup Cost Calculator is straightforward. Enter your values into the input fields provided on the page, then calculate or adjust parameters to explore scenarios. Most processing happens locally in your browser. If a feature uses a third-party service, the tool identifies that connection and the privacy policy explains it. Most users get the answers they need in under a minute.

Is the Startup Cost Calculator free to use?

Yes, the Startup Cost Calculator is completely free to use with no account signup, email requirement, or premium tier. Most calculations run locally in your browser. Features that depend on live data or a third-party service require a network connection and are identified in the tool. You can use it as many times as you need for personal, educational, or professional purposes.

How accurate is the Startup Cost Calculator?

The Startup Cost Calculator uses standard financial formulas widely accepted in business planning and analysis. Results depend entirely on the accuracy of the inputs you provide. Real-world outcomes may differ due to market conditions, unforeseen costs, and other variables not captured in the model. Use the results as a planning baseline and adjust assumptions based on your specific business context and industry benchmarks.

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How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business?

Typical Startup Costs by Business Type

Freelance / Solo Consulting: $2,000 – $5,000. Mostly equipment, software, and basic legal filings. The lowest barrier to entry.
Online Business / E-commerce: $3,000 – $10,000. Website development, initial marketing, and possibly inventory depending on your model.
Consulting Firm: $5,000 – $15,000. Professional liability insurance, branding, and marketing are the main expenses.
SaaS (Software as a Service): $10,000 – $50,000. Development costs, cloud infrastructure, and a longer runway before revenue are the primary drivers.
Retail Store: $30,000 – $100,000+. Lease deposits, buildout, fixtures, initial inventory, and signage add up quickly.
Restaurant: $75,000 – $500,000+. Kitchen equipment, permits, buildout, staffing, and inventory make restaurants one of the most capital-intensive small businesses.