Personalized Recommendation
Emergency Fund Calculator 2026
Find out exactly how much you should save for emergencies based on your expenses, job stability, and personal risk factors.
Risk-based analysisUpdated 2026-01-25
Quick Emergency Fund Guide by Monthly Expenses
$3,000/mo
3mo: $9,000
6mo: $18,000
$4,000/mo
3mo: $12,000
6mo: $24,000
$5,000/mo
3mo: $15,000
6mo: $30,000
$6,000/mo
3mo: $18,000
6mo: $36,000
Most people need 3-6 months. Use the calculator below for your personalized recommendation.
Your Finances
Your Risk Profile
These factors help us personalize your recommendation
Your Emergency Fund Target
Recommended Target
$24,000
6 months of expenses
Medium Risk ProfileCurrent: $5,000Target: $24,000
1.3 months currently covered
Gap to close: $19,000 — At $500/month, you'll reach your goal in 35 months
Minimum
$12,000
3 months
Your Target
$24,000
6 months
Comfort
$36,000
9 months
What Emergencies Could Cost
💼
Job Loss
3-9 months
$24,000
Need $19,000 more
🏥
Medical Emergency
One-time
$8,000
Need $3,000 more
🚗
Major Car Repair
One-time
$3,000
✓ Covered
🏠
Home Emergency
One-time
$5,000
✓ Covered
👨👩👧
Family Emergency
Variable
$8,000
Need $3,000 more
🐕
Pet Emergency
One-time
$2,500
✓ Covered
Personalized Recommendations
💪Great start! Focus on reaching 3 months as your first milestone
🏦Keep your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account (4-5% APY)
🏥Consider disability insurance - it protects income during illness/injury
📍Keep emergency funds liquid and separate from checking accounts
Learn More
Emergency Fund Guidelines
3
Months
Low RiskBest for:
- Dual-income households
- Very stable government jobs
- Low fixed expenses
- Strong job market in your field
- No dependents
6
Months
RecommendedBest for:
- Single-income households
- Average job stability
- 1-2 dependents
- Most people in most situations
- Standard employee positions
9-12
Months
High RiskBest for:
- Self-employed / freelancers
- Commission-based income
- Volatile industries (tech layoffs)
- Health concerns
- Multiple dependents
Emergency Fund Target by Monthly Expenses
Quick reference table for common expense levels
| Monthly Expenses | 3 Months | 6 Months | 9 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 | $7,500 | $15,000 | $22,500 | $30,000 |
| $3,000 | $9,000 | $18,000 | $27,000 | $36,000 |
| $3,500 | $10,500 | $21,000 | $31,500 | $42,000 |
| $4,000 | $12,000 | $24,000 | $36,000 | $48,000 |
| $4,500 | $13,500 | $27,000 | $40,500 | $54,000 |
| $5,000 | $15,000 | $30,000 | $45,000 | $60,000 |
| $6,000 | $18,000 | $36,000 | $54,000 | $72,000 |
| $7,500 | $22,500 | $45,000 | $67,500 | $90,000 |
| $10,000 | $30,000 | $60,000 | $90,000 | $120,000 |
Where to Keep Your Emergency Fund
Recommended Options
High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA)
4-5% APY, FDIC insured, instant access
Best choice for most people
Money Market Account
Similar rates, may include check-writing
Avoid These Options
Regular Checking Account
0.01% APY - losing money to inflation
CDs, Stocks, Crypto
Money is locked or too volatile
How to Build Your Emergency Fund
1
Start Small
Begin with $500-$1,000 mini-fund for small emergencies
2
Automate Savings
Set up automatic transfers every payday, even just $25-50
3
Reach 3 Months
First major milestone - covers most short-term emergencies
4
Hit Your Target
Continue to your personalized 6-12 month goal
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: 2026-01-25 • Based on financial planning best practices • Used by 40,000+ savers monthly