Business
Startup Cost Total Calculator
Add up one-off startup costs and a contingency buffer so the launch budget is realistic.
Formula
Startup total = (equipment + licences + initial stock) multiplied by (1 + contingency percentage divided by 100).
How it works
List the main one-off costs of getting started, then add a contingency percentage for surprises, which almost every launch has. The buffer keeps a small overrun from stopping the business before it opens.
FAQs
How big should the contingency be?
Ten to twenty percent is common for a small launch. New or unusual setups may need more.
Are monthly costs included?
No, this covers one-off launch costs only. Monthly running costs belong in a separate operating budget.
What if I forget a cost?
That is exactly what the contingency is for, but still list every cost you can think of first.
Estimates only, not financial advice. Check your figures before making a business decision.