Startup Runway Calculator – Burn Rate, Runway & Fundraising Timing

Most founders don't know their real runway until it's too late to act on it. This calculator is built to change that.

The Pitchwise Runway Calculator combines a full P&L model, a hiring plan, and a 24 month cash flow projection into a connected spreadsheet,  so every number you enter  flows through to a clear answer: how long do you have, and when do you need to start raising?

Four interconnected sheets do the work. The Dashboard gives you five live KPIs: cash balance, monthly burn, runway in months, projected cash-out date, and the date by which you need to start your next raise. The Assumptions tab drives the model: revenue growth rate, headcount cost growth, fundraising lead time, and runway buffer. The P&L tab breaks down revenue, payroll by team, and operating expenses line by line across 12 months. The Hiring Plan lets you model headcount growth role by role, with automatic cost impact on your burn.

Blue cells are your inputs. Everything else is calculated automatically.

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• Dashboard with 5 live KPIs: cash, burn, runway, cash-out date, and fundraise start date
• 24-month cash flow projection with traffic-light status per month
• Full 12-month P&L: revenue, payroll by team, and operating expenses
• Hiring plan: model headcount growth role by role with automatic cost impact
• Assumptions tab for all growth rates and timing inputs
• Password-protected formulas: only input cells are editable

• Pre-seed and Seed founders managing their first cash runway
• Founders preparing for a fundraiser who need to know when to start
• Operators and CFOs building their first financial model
• Accelerator teams and advisors helping portfolio companies with financial planning