13-Week Cash Flow Forecast
See exactly when cash gets tight - before it happens.
How to Use This Cash Flow Calculator
Start with what's in your bank account today. Enter that number in the "Starting Cash" field at the top.
Next, fill in your expected income for each week. If you have jobs scheduled, enter what you expect to collect. Be conservative - use what's confirmed, not what's hopeful. Most contractors enter their scheduled jobs plus any recurring revenue.
Then add your expenses. Payroll is usually the big one - enter what you actually pay out each week, not monthly divided by four. Rent, insurance, and loan payments might hit specific weeks, so put them where they actually land.
Watch the "Ending Balance" row at the bottom. Green means you're covered. Red means that week needs attention. The tool will tell you exactly which week cash runs out so you can plan ahead - chase a payment, delay a purchase, or line up a credit line before you need it.
When you're done, download the PDF. Print it, share it with your bookkeeper, or just keep it for reference. The numbers stay saved in your browser, so you can come back and update them anytime.
What Is a 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast?
A 13-week cash flow forecast shows exactly how much cash you'll have on hand each week for the next quarter. It's the same model banks use when evaluating businesses, and it's what CFOs at larger companies review every week.
Why 13 weeks? It's one full quarter - long enough to see seasonal patterns and upcoming crunches, but short enough that your estimates are still reliable. Beyond 13 weeks, you're mostly guessing.
This isn't the same as your P&L or your accountant's reports. Those show profit on paper. This shows cash in the bank. You can be profitable and still run out of cash if your customers pay slow or you front materials on big jobs.
The 13-week model is built for one question: "Will I have enough cash to make payroll and pay my bills?" If the answer is no, you'll see it coming weeks in advance - enough time to do something about it.
Why Contractors Need Cash Flow Forecasting
Most contractors don't have cash flow problems because business is bad. They have cash flow problems because business is lumpy.
Here's what happens: You land a big job in March. You buy materials, pay your crew, rent equipment. The job takes six weeks. You invoice at the end. The customer takes 30 days to pay. That's 10+ weeks of cash going out before a dollar comes back in.
Meanwhile, payroll doesn't wait. Neither does your material supplier, your insurance, or your truck payments.
Seasonal businesses get hit harder. HVAC contractors are flush in summer and strapped in spring. Roofers make hay in good weather and scramble during rainy months. Landscapers know exactly when the phone stops ringing.
A 13-week forecast lets you see the dip before you're in it. Maybe you collect deposits upfront on that March job. Maybe you negotiate 60-day terms with your supplier. Maybe you open a credit line in January while your books look good - not in April when you actually need it.
The contractors who stay in business aren't always the best at their trade. They're the ones who see cash problems coming and fix them early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign up to use this calculator?
No. The calculator works immediately with no signup, no email, nothing. You can download the PDF export without giving us any information. We built it this way because we think trades business owners deserve useful tools without the typical marketing runaround.
How accurate does my forecast need to be?
Directionally accurate is good enough. You're not trying to predict the future - you're trying to see potential problems. If your estimate is off by 10%, that's fine. What matters is whether you'll have enough cash in Week 8 to make payroll. Round numbers work.
What if I have irregular income - like big jobs that come randomly?
Enter what you know. If you have a signed contract for a job starting Week 4, put it in. If you're "pretty sure" you'll land a bid, leave it out. This tool works best when you're conservative with income and realistic with expenses.
Should I include credit card purchases?
Only if you pay them off weekly. Most contractors should track when they actually pay the credit card bill, not when they swipe the card. That's when cash actually leaves your account.
Can I save my work and come back later?
Yes. Your numbers are saved automatically in your browser. When you return to this page, everything will be there. If you clear your browser data or use a different device, you'll start fresh.
What's the "run-out date" warning?
If any week shows a negative ending balance, we highlight it in red and show you a warning banner. That's the week your cash flow model says you won't be able to cover your obligations. It doesn't mean you're doomed - it means you need to plan ahead for that week.