BusCalcTools

Cash Flow Calculator — 12-Month Projection with Visual Chart

Project monthly cash in and out across the next 12 months. Spots negative-balance months in advance so you can plan financing or delay spend.

$

Cash on hand at the start of month 1

12-Month Projection

MonthIncomeExpensesNetBalance
Jan$2,500.00$12,500.00
Feb$2,500.00$15,000.00
Mar$2,500.00$17,500.00
Apr$2,500.00$20,000.00
May$2,500.00$22,500.00
Jun$2,500.00$25,000.00
Jul$2,500.00$27,500.00
Aug$2,500.00$30,000.00
Sep$2,500.00$32,500.00
Oct$2,500.00$35,000.00
Nov$2,500.00$37,500.00
Dec$2,500.00$40,000.00

Annual Net Cash Flow

Healthy

$30,000.00

Positive net cash flow over the year.

Lowest Balance

$10,000.00

Cash stays positive through the projection.

Reached in Month 0

Running cash balance

How it works

Enter your opening cash balance, then estimated income and expenses for each of the next 12 months. The calculator keeps a running balance and highlights the month where your cash is lowest. The chart below shows the running balance over the year — anything below the red dashed line is a cash crisis warning.

See the formula
Monthly Net Cash Flow = Monthly Income − Monthly Expenses
Running Balance (Month N) = Opening Balance + Sum of Net Cash Flows (Month 1 to N)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cash flow in business?
Cash flow is the movement of money in and out of your business. Positive cash flow means more cash is coming in than going out. Negative cash flow means you are spending more than you are earning — and will run out of cash if not corrected.
What is the difference between cash flow and profit?
A business can be profitable on paper but have negative cash flow if customers pay late. Profit is revenue minus costs on an accounting basis. Cash flow is the actual cash you have available. Many businesses fail not from lack of profit but from poor cash flow timing.
How do I improve business cash flow?
Key strategies include: invoice immediately upon delivery, offer early payment discounts, negotiate longer payment terms with suppliers, maintain a cash reserve of 2–3 months of expenses, and delay non-essential expenditure to months with stronger income.
What is a cash flow projection?
A cash flow projection is a month-by-month forecast of the cash you expect to receive and spend. It shows you in advance which months you may face a cash shortfall — allowing you to arrange financing, delay expenditure, or accelerate collections before the problem hits.
How much cash reserve should a small business keep?
Most financial advisors recommend 3–6 months of operating expenses as a cash reserve. Seasonal businesses may need more. This calculator will show your lowest cash balance month — ensure your reserve covers at least that shortfall with a comfortable buffer.

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For information only. This calculator does not constitute financial, accounting, or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional before making business decisions.