Free Savings Goal Calculator
Pick a goal, such as an emergency fund, a down payment or a trip, and a deadline. The calculator shows how much to set aside each month, each paycheck and each week to get there on time.
Your goal
Your timeline
Example: a $6,000 emergency fund. Replace the numbers with your own.
How to work out a monthly savings amount
Start with the amount you need, subtract what you already have, and divide by the number of months until you need it. If the money sits in an interest-bearing account, the interest does part of the work, so the monthly amount is a little lower. The calculator handles the compounding for you.
Worked example
A $6,000 emergency fund with $1,500 already saved and 18 months to go needs about $238 a month at 4.0% APY. That is about $110 per paycheck if you are paid every two weeks, or $55 a week. Interest adds about $212 along the way.
Common savings goals
- Emergency fund: many planners suggest three to six months of essential expenses.
- Down payment: include closing costs and moving costs, not just the down payment itself.
- Big purchases and trips: a fixed date makes the monthly number concrete.
Make it automatic
- Open a separate savings account so the money is not mixed with spending money.
- Schedule a transfer for the day after payday.
- Check progress monthly and recalculate if your timeline changes.
Prefer paper? Download the free Savings Goal Tracker printable.
Frequently asked questions
What interest rate should I use?
Use the APY your savings account pays today. Rates change, so enter 0 if you want a cautious number that does not rely on interest.
How is the per-paycheck amount calculated?
It assumes 26 paychecks a year, so it multiplies the monthly amount by 12 and divides by 26.
What if the monthly amount is too high?
Extend the deadline, lower the goal, or start with a smaller first milestone, such as one month of expenses, and build from there.
Does this calculator store my numbers?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser and nothing is sent or stored.