Free calculator
How much should you pay yourself?
Most advice talks about salary versus draw. That is a tax question. The cash question comes first. How much can the business afford to pay you without putting payroll at risk?
How the calculator works
| Result | Rule | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Steady monthly pay | 80% of average monthly profit | Leaves 20% in the business for slow months and growth |
| Cash the business must keep | 2 payrolls + 1 month of fixed bills + big payments due in 3 months | The payments you cannot miss |
| Extra draw available | Cash today − what the business must keep | Only cash above the safe line is spare |
These rules come from a CFO's judgment. No survey sits behind them. They exclude personal taxes on what you take. Your accountant can tell you how much of it to set aside.
Common questions
How much should a small business owner pay themselves?
A steady monthly amount from about 80% of average profit, plus extra draws only from cash above what the business must keep. That leaves room for slow months and keeps payroll safe.
Should I take a salary or an owner draw?
That depends on how your business is set up for tax. Ask your accountant. This calculator answers a different question, which is how much the business can afford.
What if my business is profitable but has no cash to pay me?
Profit has gone somewhere else, usually into customers who owe you more, loan payments or equipment. The one-page monthly report shows exactly where.
By industry
Know what is safe to take, every week
One Page CFO shows the cash above your safe line every Monday, from your QuickBooks, checked by a CFO.