Portfolio Cash Burn Calculator

Cash burn sets the runway clock. This calculator reveals when cash goes negative.

Monthly NOI

Monthly debt service

Monthly capex

Cash on hand

NOI stress haircut %

Cash runway

83 yr 3 mo

Stressed monthly burn

Stressed NOI

$289,000

How the math works

Stressed burn = (debt service + capex) − stressed NOI. Runway = cash ÷ burn. 999 = no burn (surplus).

Count only operating cash, not capital account balances from investors — those aren't callable on 30 days. In a liquidity crunch, what you can actually draw is what matters, not what appears on the investor-facing balance sheet.

Editorial noteMaintained by EveryCalc - Reviewed June 2026

EveryCalc calculators are designed for fast, practical estimates with transparent inputs and no required account. We use plain formulas, visible assumptions, and related tools so visitors can check the result from more than one angle.

Results are informational only. For financial, tax, legal, medical, construction, or other high-impact decisions, verify the output against primary sources or a qualified professional.

Learn more about our review process on the EveryCalc methodology page.

How this calculator works

What this page estimates

This Portfolio Cash Burn Calculator is built to give a quick, browser-based estimate for portfolio cash burn. Cash burn sets the runway clock. This calculator reveals when cash goes negative. The inputs stay on the page during normal use, and the result should be treated as an estimate for planning, comparison, or education rather than professional advice.

Calculation approach

The calculator applies the standard relationship implied by the inputs, then formats the answer so it can be checked and reused. For finance tools, the most important step is using consistent units, rates, time periods, and assumptions before comparing the result with another calculator or outside quote.

Example workflow

For example, start with a realistic value you already know, change one input at a time, and watch how the answer moves. That makes it easier to tell whether the result is being driven by the main amount, the rate, the time period, or a unit conversion.

Practical checks

Use current, real-world numbers when the result affects money, health, tax, or legal decisions.
Run a low, base, and high case when the inputs are estimates.
Check the related calculators below when the next decision depends on a different assumption.

How to interpret the portfolio cash burn result

Best use

Use the result as a planning number for comparing payments, rates, returns, tax reserves, or cash-flow choices before you request a quote or make a commitment.

Cross-check

Compare the answer with the contract, lender estimate, tax form, brokerage statement, payroll record, or invoice that will control the real-world outcome.

Watch for

Do not rely on a single optimistic rate, return, or fee assumption. Money pages work best when you run low, base, and high cases and keep professional advice separate from the estimate.

This page belongs to the Finance calculator library, so the answer should be read in the context of the decision you are modeling rather than as a universal rule.

Before relying on this portfolio cash burn estimate

Most calculator mistakes come from the inputs, not the arithmetic. Use this short audit before you reuse the answer in a spreadsheet, quote, application, or important conversation.

Confirm source numbers

Match balances, rates, fees, taxes, income, and payment dates against the lender quote, payroll record, tax form, statement, invoice, or contract.

Separate cash flow from total cost

A lower monthly payment can still cost more over time if fees, interest, taxes, or a longer term are hidden in the structure.

Run conservative cases

Test at least one higher-cost or lower-return case before using the output for a purchase, refinance, investment, loan, or tax decision.

Rerun this page when the rate, price, term, fee, tax rule, income, expense, or expected holding period changes.

How to Use

Enter portfolio monthly NOI.
Enter monthly debt service.
Enter monthly capex.
Enter cash on hand.
Enter stress scenario NOI haircut %.
Read cash runway in months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is burn rate?

Monthly operating shortfall = operating cash needs − operating cash in. Positive burn = eating into cash reserves. Negative burn (surplus) = cash accumulating. Measure stressed, not just base case.

Typical reserves?

Conservative: 6-12 months of stressed burn. Aggressive: 3-6 months. Below 3 months = one missed month triggers covenant violation. Above 12 = overcapitalized (capital drag on returns).

When to act?

Runway below 9 months: prepare refinance materials. Below 6 months: launch refi or capital call. Below 3 months: negotiate forbearance or bring in rescue capital. Don't wait to cross zero — capital partners pay for urgency.