How this calculator works
This tool starts from the classic 3-6 month rule, then adjusts it up if you're the sole income earner in your household, have dependents, or have variable/freelance income. It uses a low, conservative yield since an emergency fund should stay liquid, not invested for growth — more on that in where to keep your emergency fund.
Want to avoid the most common pitfalls? Read about common emergency fund mistakes.
Once your safety net is in place, the next question is usually long-term. Try our retirement calculator to see how much you need to stop working one day.