Cash Flow Forecast Calculator - Business Cash Flow Projection & Analysis Tool
Free cash flow forecast calculator & projection tool. Calculate future cash flow, analyze liquidity, and plan business finances with step-by-step analysis. Our calculator helps businesses project cash inflows and outflows over multiple periods with revenue growth modeling, operating expenses, and capital expenditure planning for optimal financial management.
Last updated: October 19, 2025
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Starting cash on hand
Expected monthly revenue (cash inflows)
Monthly growth rate (0 for steady revenue)
Regular monthly expenses (payroll, rent, utilities)
One-time or major purchases in forecast period
Cash Flow Projection
Cash Flow Trend
Strong Positive
Ending Cash Balance
$531,209
projected cash on hand
Total Inflow
$1,341,209
Total Outflow
$860,000
Net Cash Flow
$481,209
Avg: $40,101/month
Analysis:
Healthy positive cash flow projected.
Cash Flow Formula:
- • Ending Cash = Beginning Cash + Total Inflow - Total Outflow
- • Net Cash Flow = Total Revenue - Total Expenses
- • Positive = More inflows than outflows
- • Monitor monthly to maintain liquidity
Cash Flow Calculator Types & Business Applications
Forecast Types
3, 6, 12, 24 Months
Projects cash inflows and outflows over time
Categories
Operating, Investing, Financing
Breaks down cash flow by activity type
Formula
OCF - CapEx
Shows cash available for distribution or growth
Frequency
Month-by-Month
Detailed tracking of monthly cash movements
Focus
Core Operations
Excludes investing and financing activities
Metrics
Ratios & Trends
Analyzes cash flow health and sustainability
Quick Example Result
12-month forecast with $50K beginning cash, $100K monthly revenue, 2% growth:
Ending Cash Balance
$531,209
Net Cash Flow
$481,209
How Our Cash Flow Forecast Calculator Works
Our cash flow forecast calculator projects future cash positions by modeling revenue growth, operating expenses, and capital expenditures over multiple periods. The calculation applies standard cash flow forecasting principles used by CFOs, accountants, and financial planners to predict liquidity needs and optimize cash management strategies.
The Cash Flow Forecast Formula
Ending Cash = Beginning Cash + Total Inflows - Total OutflowsTotal Inflows = Σ(Monthly Revenue × Growth^Month)Total Outflows = (Operating Expenses × Months) + Capital ExpensesNet Cash Flow = Total Inflows - Total OutflowsThe calculator compounds revenue growth monthly, applies recurring operating expenses, and includes one-time capital expenditures to project accurate cash positions. This helps identify potential cash shortfalls before they occur, enabling proactive financial planning and decision-making.
Shows cash balance trend over forecast period with inflows and outflows
Mathematical Foundation
Cash flow forecasting is based on fundamental accounting principles from financial management. Unlike accrual-based profit calculations, cash flow forecasting tracks actual cash timing—when money enters and leaves the business. This is critical because businesses can be profitable on paper but fail due to poor cash management. The forecast separates operating activities from investing and financing activities to provide a complete liquidity picture.
- Cash inflows include revenue collections, loan proceeds, and investment receipts
- Cash outflows include operating expenses, capital purchases, and debt payments
- Revenue growth compounds monthly to reflect realistic business expansion
- Timing differences between sales and collections affect cash position
- Positive cash flow indicates ability to cover expenses and invest in growth
- Regular forecasting enables proactive management of cash shortfalls
Sources & References
- Financial Management: Theory & Practice - Brigham, Ehrhardt (16th Edition)Standard reference for cash flow management principles
- Accounting for Business Decisions - American Institute of CPAsProfessional standards for cash flow forecasting
- U.S. Small Business Administration - Cash Flow Management ResourcesGovernment guidance on business cash flow planning
Need help with other financial calculations? Check out our break-even calculator and profit margin calculator.
Get Custom Calculator for Your PlatformCash Flow Forecast Examples
Starting Conditions:
- Beginning Cash: $50,000
- Monthly Revenue: $100,000
- Revenue Growth: 2% monthly
- Operating Expenses: $70,000/month
- Capital Expenses: $20,000
Calculation Steps:
- Calculate total revenue with 2% compound growth
- Total inflows: ~$1,268,000 (12 months)
- Total outflows: $860,000 ($70K × 12 + $20K)
- Net cash flow: $408,000
- Ending cash: $50K + $408K = $458,000
Result: Strong positive cash flow with ending balance of $458,000
Average monthly cash flow: $34,000. Cash flow trend: Strong Positive. Excellent position for growth and investment.
Startup Example
$20K start | $50K revenue | $60K expenses
Result: Monitor closely - tight margins
Established Business Example
$200K start | $500K revenue | $350K expenses
Result: Strong cash position - growth ready
Frequently Asked Questions
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