Financial literacy · Online operations

Small-Business Cash-Flow Forecast

Enter opening cash and expected weekly inflows and outflows. The calculator shows where the forecast first turns negative so you can change timing or commitments early.

Originally published
September 5, 2026 by Matt Herrera
Reviewed and updated
September 5, 2026 by Matt Herrera

Browser-local calculator

Four-week cash forecast

Nothing entered here is saved or sent anywhere.

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4

Projected ending cash

  1. Week 1$5,700
  2. Week 2$6,000
  3. Week 3$7,100
  4. Week 4$7,000

The entered scenario remains cash-positive for all four weeks.

How the forecast works

For each week, ending cash equals opening cash plus expected inflows minus expected outflows. The next week begins with the prior week's ending balance. This is a timing model, not an income statement or a promise about future sales.

Use collected or contract-supported amounts where possible. Keep uncertain sales in a separate scenario so optimism does not hide a near-term shortage.

Read the result as a decision window

A negative week identifies when the current assumptions run out of cash. Work backward from that date. You may need to collect receivables sooner, delay a discretionary purchase, revise owner draws, adjust inventory, or discuss financing with a qualified adviser.

Update the forecast when facts change. A rolling forecast stays useful because the oldest week drops off and a new week is added.

Keep the source records

The tool does not save or transmit entries. Keep the official records in the accounting and banking systems used by the business. IRS Publication 583 explains general recordkeeping responsibilities; a qualified tax professional can address the facts of a specific business.

Sources and further reading