Runway (months) = Current Cash ÷ Total monthly burn
How many months your startup can operate on current cash at the current burn rate. Zero-cash date is when cash runs out at constant burn. Pre-revenue assumes no revenue; for revenue-growing startups use the runway calculator with revenue growth.
Pre-revenue runway is how many months your startup can operate on current cash at the current monthly burn rate when there is no (or negligible) revenue.
Why Runway Matters for Pre-Revenue Startups
Pre-revenue startups consume cash every month. Runway tells you how long you have to reach milestones (e.g. product launch, first revenue, fundraising) before cash runs out.
Formula and Components
Runway (months) = Current Cash ÷ Monthly Burn Rate. Simple and critical for pre-revenue planning.
The Calculation Identity
Runway (months) = Current Cash ÷ Monthly Burn Rate
Defining Cash and Burn
Current cash = liquid cash and equivalents. Monthly burn = total monthly cash expenses (salaries, rent, software, marketing, etc.). Use same basis as your burn rate calculator.
Interpreting Runway and Benchmarks
18–24+ months: Strong runway. 12–18 months: Plan fundraising or path to revenue. 6–12 months: Start fundraising; process often takes 3–6 months. Under 6 months: Critical; cut burn or close funding.
The Fundraising Timeline
Fundraising typically takes 3–6 months from first meetings to close. Start when runway is 12+ months so you are not desperate.
Use the Runway Extension calculator to model impact of new capital or savings.
Conclusion
Pre-revenue startup runway is the core metric for how long you can run on current cash. Use it with break-even and runway extension calculators to plan survival and fundraising.
Target 12+ months runway where possible and start fundraising before runway dips into the danger zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about pre-revenue startup runway
What is pre-revenue startup runway?
Runway is how many months your startup can operate on current cash at the current monthly burn rate. Pre-revenue means no (or negligible) revenue, so runway = cash ÷ monthly burn.
How do I calculate runway?
Runway (months) = Current Cash ÷ Monthly Burn Rate. Example: $500K cash and $50K/month burn = 10 months runway.
What is a good runway for a pre-revenue startup?
Generally 12–18+ months is healthy. Under 12 months, start fundraising (process often takes 3–6 months). Under 6 months is critical; cut burn or close funding.
Should I include expected funding in current cash?
Only if it is committed (signed term sheet or closed). Otherwise use actual cash; model new capital with the Runway Extension calculator.
What counts as monthly burn?
Total monthly cash expenses: salaries, rent, software, marketing, legal, and other opex. Exclude one-time costs; use recurring run rate. Same as burn rate calculator.
How does pre-revenue runway differ from runway with revenue?
Pre-revenue runway assumes no revenue, so runway = cash ÷ burn. With revenue, net burn is lower (burn − revenue), so runway extends; use the Startup Runway Calculator with Revenue Growth for that.
When should I start fundraising?
Start when runway is 12+ months. Fundraising typically takes 3–6 months; starting too late forces bad terms or running out of cash.
How can I extend runway without fundraising?
Reduce monthly burn: cut non-essential spend, defer hires, renegotiate contracts. Use the Runway Extension calculator to model impact of savings.
Why do investors care about runway?
Investors use runway to assess how much time you have to hit milestones and whether you need funding soon. Short runway can signal desperation; 12+ months is often preferred.
What if my burn rate changes?
Runway assumes constant burn. If you add headcount or spend, burn rises and runway shortens. Update inputs when plans change and track monthly.
Usage of this Calculator
Practical applications and real-world context
Who Should Use This Calculator?
Pre-Revenue FoundersTo know how many months of cash you have and when to fundraise.
Investors & Board MembersTo assess runway and urgency of next round.
Finance & Ops TeamsTo report runway and plan burn vs milestones.
Accelerators & AdvisorsTo help portfolio companies plan runway and fundraising.
Limitations & Accuracy nuances
Constant burn: Runway assumes burn stays constant. Hiring or spend increases shorten runway; update inputs when plans change.
No revenue: Pre-revenue assumes no revenue. If you have revenue, use Startup Runway with Revenue Growth for a more accurate runway.
One-time items: Exclude one-time inflows (e.g. expected funding) from cash unless committed; exclude one-time costs from burn.
Real-World Examples
Case A: Healthy runway
$600K cash, $30K/month burn → 20 months runway. Strong position to hit milestones and raise on strength; start fundraising before runway dips below 12 months.
Case B: Short runway
$200K cash, $45K/month burn → 4.4 months runway. Critical; cut burn or close funding immediately. Fundraising takes 3–6 months—do not wait.
Summary
The Pre-Revenue Startup Runway Calculator shows how many months your startup can run on current cash at the current monthly burn rate.
Use it with break-even and runway extension calculators to plan survival and fundraising.
Target 12+ months runway where possible and start fundraising before runway dips into the danger zone.
Embed This Calculator
Add this calculator to your website or blog using the embed code below:
<div style="max-width: 600px; margin: 0 auto;">
<iframe
src="https://mycalculating.com/category/finance/pre-revenue-startup-runway-calculator?embed=true"
width="100%"
height="600"
style="border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:8px;"
loading="lazy"
title="Pre Revenue Startup Runway Calculator Calculator by MyCalculating.com"
></iframe>
<p style="text-align:center; font-size:12px; margin-top:4px;">
<a href="https://mycalculating.com/category/finance/pre-revenue-startup-runway-calculator" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
Use full version on <strong>MyCalculating.com</strong>
</a>
</p>
</div>
Calculate how many months your pre-revenue startup can run on current cash at a given monthly burn rate. Runway = cash ÷ burn.
How to use Pre-Revenue Startup Runway Calculator
Step-by-step guide to using the Pre-Revenue Startup Runway Calculator:
Enter your values. Input the required values in the calculator form
Calculate. The calculator will automatically compute and display your results
Review results. Review the calculated results and any additional information provided
Frequently asked questions
How do I use the Pre-Revenue Startup Runway Calculator?
Simply enter your values in the input fields and the calculator will automatically compute the results. The Pre-Revenue Startup Runway Calculator is designed to be user-friendly and provide instant calculations.
Is the Pre-Revenue Startup Runway Calculator free to use?
Yes, the Pre-Revenue Startup Runway Calculator is completely free to use. No registration or payment is required.
Can I use this calculator on mobile devices?
Yes, the Pre-Revenue Startup Runway Calculator is fully responsive and works perfectly on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.
Are the results from Pre-Revenue Startup Runway Calculator accurate?
Yes, our calculators use standard formulas and are regularly tested for accuracy. However, results should be used for informational purposes and not as a substitute for professional advice.