The Finance Algorithm
§ Tool · tier 1 · independent

Emergency Fund Calculator.

Calculate how much emergency savings you need and when a loan makes sense instead

CalculatorFree, no signupOn-deviceupd May 2026
Inputs
Your numbers
$
$4k

Rent, bills, food, transport, insurance

$
$5k

Savings set aside specifically for emergencies

Casual & self-employed need bigger buffers

0

Children or others who rely on your income

$
$0

If you're facing an emergency now, how much do you need?

%
12%

Rate you could get on an emergency loan

Math updates live as you change inputs · AI runs on submit

Awaiting inputs

Move the sliders or type in the form on the left — the math updates live as you go. Click Get AI verdict when you want a written analysis.

Life throws curveballs - job loss, car breakdowns, medical emergencies. This calculator helps you figure out how much emergency savings you actually need and when taking a loan makes more sense than draining savings.

§ Worked examples

Real-world scenarios

Young Professional

Emma is 28, single, permanent job, $3,500 monthly expenses, $4,000 saved.

Inputs

expenses:3,500savings:4,000employment:Permanent

Target: $10,500-$21,000 (3-6 months). She has about 1 month covered. Focus: build to $10,500 minimum.

Family with Variable Income

The Smiths: 2 kids, one freelancer, $6,000 monthly expenses, $15,000 saved.

Inputs

expenses:6,000savings:15,000dependents:2

Target: $36,000-$72,000 (6-12 months due to freelance income). Currently 2.5 months. Need to prioritize building this.

§ FAQ

Questions Australians ask

§ Glossary

Plain-English definitions

Emergency Fund
Savings specifically set aside for unexpected expenses or income loss - not for planned purchases.
Liquid Savings
Money you can access within 1-2 business days without penalties or selling investments at a loss.
Expense Ratio
How many months of expenses your emergency fund covers. Target: 3-12 months depending on situation.