Cash Flow Calculator
See whether your business is bringing in more cash than it spends. Enter your beginning cash, every source of money coming in, and everything going out to find your net cash flow and ending balance for the period.
How the cash flow calculator works
Cash flow is the single clearest signal of whether a business can pay its bills. This tool tracks the actual movement of money for a period — a week, a month, or a quarter — not accounting profit. It answers one question: did more cash come in than went out?
Ending cash = beginning cash + net cash flow
where inflows include sales, other income, and any financing received, and outflows include COGS, payroll, rent, utilities, loan payments, marketing, and other expenses.
First the calculator adds every source of cash coming in: your sales revenue, any other income, and any loans or investment you received. That total is your inflows.
Then it adds everything going out: cost of goods sold or inventory purchases, payroll, rent, utilities, loan payments, marketing, and other expenses. That total is your outflows.
Subtracting outflows from inflows gives your net cash flow. A positive number means the business generated cash this period; a negative number means it drew cash down. Finally, adding net cash flow to your beginning cash shows the ending balance you carry into the next period.
Why cash flow differs from profit
- Timing — a sale can be profitable but not turn into cash until the customer actually pays.
- Inventory — buying stock spends cash now even though it becomes an expense only when sold.
- Loan principal — principal repayment is a cash outflow but is not an expense on the income statement.
- Financing — a new loan boosts cash without being revenue.
Tips to improve cash flow
- Invoice promptly and shorten payment terms to speed up collections.
- Match large outflows to periods when cash is strong.
- Keep a reserve — use the working capital calculator to size it.
- Plan ahead with a monthly budget.
Frequently asked questions
What is net cash flow?
Net cash flow is the difference between all the cash that came into your business and all the cash that went out during a period. If inflows are greater than outflows, net cash flow is positive; if outflows are greater, it is negative.
Is cash flow the same as profit?
No. Profit measures revenue minus expenses on an accounting basis, while cash flow tracks the actual movement of money in and out. A business can be profitable on paper yet run out of cash if customers pay slowly or if it carries a lot of inventory.
How do I calculate ending cash balance?
Take your beginning cash balance and add your net cash flow for the period. In this tool, ending cash equals beginning cash plus total inflows minus total outflows.
What should I do about negative cash flow?
Negative cash flow means you spent more cash than you brought in for the period. It is not always bad short term, but if it continues you should speed up collections, cut or delay outflows, or arrange financing to cover the gap.
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This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or accounting advice. Estimates are based solely on the values you enter. Confirm your figures with a qualified advisor before making decisions.