Seed Round Sizing Calculator
Reverse-engineer a seed round size from target runway. Enter your headcount, average salary, and non-personnel burn; get raise size and a valuation range at 15-25% dilution.
Fully loaded × 1.3 for taxes and benefits
The formula
Monthly burn equals (team × salary × 1.3) divided by 12, plus non-personnel monthly. Raise needed equals monthly burn times target runway months.
FAQ
Why the 1.3 overhead multiplier?+
Employer taxes, benefits, and equipment typically add 20–35% on top of cash salary. 1.3x is a reasonable US baseline.
Should I target 12, 18, or 24 months?+
18 months is the classic seed target: enough to hit a Series A milestone with a 3-month raise buffer.
Is 15-25% dilution the right range?+
It is the seed norm in 2024-25. Hot rounds close at 10-15%; slower rounds at 25-30%.
What if I want to raise more?+
Raise less, extend runway later. Every additional dollar today costs equity that compounds through subsequent rounds.
Does this include founder salary?+
Set your salary in the "average salary" input if you take one. Many seed founders pay themselves $50-90k US.