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Cash Flow Forecast Calculator

Project your business cash flow over 12 months. Switch between base, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios to stress-test your forecast against different income and cost outcomes.

What-if scenario adjustments

Multipliers are applied to the base income and costs above. 1.0 = no change, 1.2 = 20% higher, 0.8 = 20% lower.

Optimistic scenario

Pessimistic scenario

How it's calculated

Closing balance = Opening balance + Inflows − Outflows
Each month's closing balance becomes the next month's opening balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is cash flow different from profit?
Profit is revenue minus expenses on an accrual basis. Cash flow tracks actual money entering and leaving the business. A profitable business can still run out of cash if customers pay slowly or costs are paid upfront.
What is a healthy cash reserve for a small business?
Most advisers recommend maintaining 3–6 months of operating expenses as a cash reserve. This protects against slow payment, unexpected costs, or a downturn in revenue.
How do I use the scenario comparison?
Enter your base case income and costs, then adjust the optimistic and pessimistic multipliers. For example, an optimistic income multiplier of 1.2 models 20% higher income; a pessimistic costs multiplier of 1.15 models 15% higher costs.
How do I improve a negative cash flow forecast?
Options include invoicing earlier, shortening payment terms, delaying non-essential spend, negotiating better supplier terms, or arranging an overdraft or revolving credit facility in advance.