How much cash should a coworking space keep?

A coworking space bills members monthly for desks and offices, usually in advance. The lease is the giant fixed cost, and it runs for years. Occupancy decides everything. A few empty offices can turn a profitable month into a loss.

Payroll per run, all-in $ How often you run payroll Fixed bills per month (rent, loans, insurance, software) $ Days your customers take to pay, on average days Cash in the bank today $

Minimum to keep

Two payroll runs plus one month of fixed bills

Comfortable level

Covers costs while you wait for customers to pay, plus one month

Weeks your cash covers

If no customer paid you

The starting numbers are an example. Replace them with yours.

How cash moves in a coworking space

Memberships bill in advance, so cash arrives before the month starts.
The lease is fixed for years, whatever occupancy does.
Member deposits sit in your bank and are owed back when members leave.
Build-outs and furniture are large upfront costs.

Why the usual rule falls short

Two spaces each pay a $30,000 monthly lease. One is 90% full with private offices on twelve-month terms. The other is 70% full with month-to-month desks. The second can lose a quarter of its revenue in one month.

How the calculator works

Result	Formula
Minimum to keep	2 × payroll per run + 1 month of fixed bills
Comfortable level	Monthly costs × (days to collect ÷ 30 + 1)
Weeks your cash covers	Cash ÷ weekly costs

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Also for coworking operators, see the coworking space monthly financial report.