The method
How it is worked out
Balance each week = previous + receipts − suppliers − (payroll + fixed costs every 4th week) − tax when due + one-offs
- low point
- The week with the least cash; the size of any facility you need
13-Week Cash Flow Forecast
Project the next thirteen weeks of cash from receipts and payments, find the low point, and see if you need a facility. The result updates as you type so you can compare scenarios quickly.
Keep in mind
What it leaves out
- TimingReceipts rarely arrive evenly; model your real debtor days.
- VATSales tax collected is not yours; include the payment when due.
- RollingRefresh every week; a 13-week view is only useful if kept current.
Use the calculator to compare scenarios rather than as a guaranteed forecast.
About the 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast
Project the next thirteen weeks of cash from regular receipts and payments, payroll, rent, a tax bill and a one-off receipt, find the lowest point, and see whether you need a facility and how large.
How it works and an example to tryShow less
How to use the result
Each week adds customer receipts and subtracts supplier payments. Payroll and fixed costs fall every fourth week; the tax bill and one-off receipt fall in the weeks entered. The lowest balance across the thirteen weeks sizes any facility needed.
Example to try
£45,000 in the bank, £22,000 weekly in and £12,000 out, £38,000 payroll and £9,000 rent every four weeks, an £18,000 tax bill in week 6 and £30,000 arriving in week 9: the low point is £13,000 in week 8. Tight around payroll.
Put it to work
Try it on a real situation
Load an example
What moves the result most
Worked out from your figures above. Tap a row to try it.
Who uses it, and when
Owner-managers, finance managers of small and medium businesses, founders after a fundraise and anyone facing a tax deadline.
Mistakes worth avoiding
- Assuming customers pay on time when the forecast depends on it.
- Forgetting that VAT collected has to be paid over.
- Building the forecast once and never updating it.
Questions
What does the 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast do?
Project the next thirteen weeks of cash from receipts and payments, find the low point, and see if you need a facility.
How should I use the result?
Each week adds customer receipts and subtracts supplier payments. Payroll and fixed costs fall every fourth week; the tax bill and one-off receipt fall in the weeks entered. The lowest balance across the thirteen weeks sizes any facility needed.
Does TechBullion store the information I enter?
The core calculation or transformation runs in your browser. Normal website security and analytics may still record page-level events, but the tool does not need to create a public record from your inputs.
What mistakes do people make with a 13-week cash flow forecast?
Assuming customers pay on time when the forecast depends on it. Forgetting that VAT collected has to be paid over. Building the forecast once and never updating it.
Is the result guaranteed?
No. Use the result as a practical check or planning aid and verify important decisions with the relevant primary source, provider or professional advice.
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Results are estimates based on the figures entered, for general information only, and not financial, investment, tax or legal advice. See our terms of use.