With the illustrative inputs below, the result is 29,000 .
Try this with your own numbersFormula and worked example
Ending cash = opening cash + months × (receipts − payments)
| Input | Example |
|---|---|
| Opening cash | 20,000 |
| Expected cash receipts | 15,000 |
| Expected cash payments | 12,000 |
| Projection horizon | 3 months |
| Calculated result | 29,000 |
Choose reliable inputs
Account for delivery time, review work and when you expect to be paid for each engagement. For this legal practice calculation, use time sheets, engagement scopes and invoice ageing and a consistent definition of one matter.
- Professional time: include the portion belonging to this matter or reporting period, and record where the value came from.
- Filing expenses: include the portion belonging to this matter or reporting period, and record where the value came from.
- Admin support: include the portion belonging to this matter or reporting period, and record where the value came from.
Use the same currency for every money input. Do not mix weekly costs with monthly revenue, or count the same expense in both an itemised cost and allocated overhead.
Why can the ending balance miss a cash shortfall?
Payments may occur before receipts. Check a weekly cash schedule even when the month ends with positive cash.
This linear estimate excludes within-month timing and changing seasonal cash flows.
What if this input changes?
If opening cash rises by 10%, this example changes by 2,000 . This shows the effect of one change; it does not predict what will happen.
Open the calculator, save your baseline, then change the input supported by the least reliable estimate in your records. Compare both scenarios before committing to a price or capacity promise.