How this calculator works
Runway is how many months your cash lasts at your current burn. Monthly burn is your costs minus your revenue. If revenue grows, the calculator simulates each month so burn shrinks over time.
The true cost of a hire is the gross salary plus employer costs — taxes, social contributions, equipment and software. That's why a €4,000 salary can easily cost €4,800–5,600 a month.
A simple rule of thumb
- 18+ months after the hire: comfortable. A slow quarter won't sink you.
- 12–18 months: workable, but set clear goals for the hire and a review date.
- 6–12 months: risky. You'll likely need to raise money or grow revenue soon after hiring.
- Under 6 months: danger zone. One bad hire or slow month can end the company.
What the numbers don't tell you
Runway is only half the decision. The other half: will the hire actually increase revenue or speed? How long until they're productive? What happens if it doesn't work out? A calculator can't weigh those — which is why the button above runs your situation through Ascendra for a verdict, the key risks, and a step-by-step plan.
Want a real example? See how a solo founder at €15K MRR decided whether to hire a first engineer →
This calculator gives a simplified estimate for planning only. It is not financial advice. Calculations run entirely in your browser; nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.