Wondering how much it really costs to launch your business? Our Business Startup Cost Calculator does the math for you. Just plug in your expenses — from rent and licenses to marketing and payroll — and see your total startup costs instantly. No guesswork, no spreadsheets, just the clarity you need to plan and launch with confidence.
🔧 One-Time Setup Costs
💸 Monthly Operating Costs
🧠 Planning Assumptions
How to use our Business Startup Cost Calculator
Using the calculator is simple:
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Enter your projected expenses, such as rent, equipment, licensing, marketing, and payroll.
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Break down one-time startup costs versus ongoing monthly costs.
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Adjust numbers to reflect your industry and business model.
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Instantly see your total startup budget and running cost estimates.
This gives you a clear picture of how much money you need to get started and how much you’ll need to keep things running smoothly.
How to work out your business startup costs
Calculating startup costs is about more than adding up big-ticket items. You need to consider every expense that goes into making your business operational. Typical categories include:
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Legal and licensing fees – permits, registrations, and compliance costs.
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Premises and utilities – rent, electricity, water, and internet.
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Inventory and supplies – initial stock, packaging, or raw materials.
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Marketing and advertising – branding, website, social media campaigns.
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Technology – software, hosting, and digital tools.
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Staffing – salaries, training, and benefits.
Breaking down these categories helps you build a realistic and sustainable startup budget.
Why use our Startup Costs Calculator?
Planning on your own with spreadsheets can be tedious and prone to error. Our calculator makes the process fast and easy by:
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Providing a structured way to list and total your costs.
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Ensuring you don’t overlook hidden or variable expenses.
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Giving you clarity when pitching to investors or applying for funding.
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Helping you decide whether your business idea is financially viable before you commit.
How much it costs to start a business – average startup cost
The average cost to start a small business in the United States ranges widely depending on the industry. According to surveys:
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Home-based businesses can often start with $2,000–$5,000.
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Brick-and-mortar businesses with physical premises may need $50,000–$100,000 or more.
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Online service businesses (like freelancing or consulting) may require very little initial capital.
These figures highlight why having a calculator is essential — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
What is the minimum capital to start a business?
The minimum capital depends on the type of business you’re starting. For example:
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An online consultancy might need as little as $500–$1,000 for software, marketing, and website setup.
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A small retail store could require $10,000+ to cover rent, stock, and staffing.
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A restaurant or café may require $50,000+ before opening the doors.
The calculator helps you identify your specific minimum capital requirement based on your unique expenses.
Is it possible to start a business with no capital?
Yes — some businesses can be started with virtually no upfront investment. Service-based models like freelancing, coaching, or consulting require only your skills and time. Digital products, such as e-books or online courses, can also be launched on a shoestring budget.
However, even these businesses often involve small costs like website hosting, marketing, or software subscriptions. While “zero-capital” businesses exist, most require at least minimal investment or sweat equity.
Types of Business Startup Costs
Every new business faces a mix of costs. These typically include:
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Registration and legal fees
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Premises and utilities
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Inventory and equipment
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Marketing and branding
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Technology and tools
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Employee salaries and training
Types of costs for your small business
Fixed costs vs. variable costs
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Fixed costs are predictable and recurring — like rent, insurance, and salaries.
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Variable costs change depending on sales or activity levels — like raw materials, shipping, or marketing campaigns.
Direct costs vs. indirect costs
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Direct costs are tied to producing your product or service (raw materials, packaging).
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Indirect costs are overheads like accounting, admin, or office utilities.
Understanding these distinctions ensures your budget accounts for both predictable and fluctuating expenses.
Hidden costs when starting a business
Many entrepreneurs forget about hidden costs, which can derail budgets. Examples include:
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Taxes, permits, and compliance fees.
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Payment processing charges from PayPal or Stripe.
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Insurance premiums.
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Professional services like accountants and lawyers.
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Maintenance and unexpected repairs.
Factoring these in upfront gives you a more accurate financial picture.
Business running cost calculator
Your startup costs don’t end once your business launches. Ongoing running costs — such as payroll, utilities, and marketing — must be tracked as well. Our calculator can be revisited over time to project monthly and annual expenses, ensuring you’re always on top of your finances.