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Emergency Fund Calculator — How Much to Save (2026)

Figure out your emergency fund target based on your essential monthly expenses, see how many months your current savings already cover, and how long it'll take to close the gap.

$3,000
$2,000
3 mo

How many months should you target?

The CFPB doesn't prescribe one number for everyone — it depends on your situation. Lean toward more months (5-6+) if you're a single income earner, self-employed, have dependents, or your income is variable. Lean toward fewer (3) with a stable dual income and no dependents.

Your target

Target fund (3 months of expenses)$9,000
Still need to save$7,000

Right now your savings would cover about 0.7 months of essential expenses.

Time to get there

At $200/mo, you'll reach your target in about 35 months.

Estimate only. Uses your essential monthly expenses, not total spending — exclude discretionary costs you could cut in a real emergency. Doesn't account for interest earned on savings or taxes. Not financial advice.

Sources