What is it?
Simple payback shows when constant monthly cash flow recovers the investment.
Startup finance
Payback period
Simple payback shows when constant monthly cash flow recovers the investment.
Enter investment amount and monthly net cash inflow.
Payback period
Inputs
Results
Payback duration
—
In years
—
Guide
Estimate recovery time
Why it matters
Faster than full NPV for comparing projects and build decisions.
How it works
Enter investment amount and monthly net cash inflow.
Formula Months = Investment ÷ Monthly cash flow
Go deeper
Why you’ll love this
Before complex NPV, see roughly when capital comes back.
How to jump in
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Investment
Enter upfront cost.
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Monthly cash flow
Approximate net cash in.
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Read duration
Months, years, and speed status.
What you walk away with
- Simple formula
- Fast/slow status
- Links to ROI
- Free
Where it shines
Project comparison
Which recovers sooner?
Marketing campaigns
Pair CAC with recovery cash.
With ROI
See time and percent return together.
Quick answers
Is cash flow assumed flat?
Yes for a first estimate — real cash may be seasonal.
Vs ROI?
Payback is time; ROI is percent return on investment.