Free Cash Flow (FCF) Calculator
Free Cash Flow measures unencumbered cash generated by core operations after funding maintenance and growth capital expenditures and working capital build: FCF = OCF - CapEx - ΔNWC.
Distributable cash flow available to capital providers
Cash generated from operations before CapEx
Cash spent on PP&E, servers, and capitalized infrastructure
Net cash absorbed by inventory and receivables growth
Step-by-Step Calculation
Free Cash Flow measures unencumbered cash generated by core operations after funding maintenance and growth capital expenditures and working capital build: FCF = OCF - CapEx - ΔNWC.
Real-World Reference Values
Minimal CapEx and negative working capital via upfront annual billing
Higher ongoing PP&E maintenance CapEx
Institutional quality-of-earnings threshold
20-Row Comparison Table
Free Cash Flow (FCF) · Operating Cash Flow (OCF)
| # | Operating Cash Flow ($) | Free Cash Flow ($) | Δ % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 0 $ | -180,000.00 $ | -156.25% |
| 02 | 98,684.21 $ | -81,315.79 $ | -125.41% |
| 03 | 197,368.42 $ | 17,368.42 $ | -94.57% |
| 04 | 296,052.63 $ | 116,052.63 $ | -63.73% |
| 05 | 394,736.84 $ | 214,736.84 $ | -32.89% |
| 06 | 500,000.00 $Current | 320,000.00 $ | 0.00% |
| 07 | 592,105.26 $ | 412,105.26 $ | +28.78% |
| 08 | 690,789.47 $ | 510,789.47 $ | +59.62% |
| 09 | 789,473.68 $ | 609,473.68 $ | +90.46% |
| 10 | 888,157.89 $ | 708,157.89 $ | +121.30% |
| 11 | 986,842.11 $ | 806,842.11 $ | +152.14% |
| 12 | 1,085,526.32 $ | 905,526.32 $ | +182.98% |
| 13 | 1,184,210.53 $ | 1,004,210.53 $ | +213.82% |
| 14 | 1,282,894.74 $ | 1,102,894.74 $ | +244.65% |
| 15 | 1,381,578.95 $ | 1,201,578.95 $ | +275.49% |
| 16 | 1,480,263.16 $ | 1,300,263.16 $ | +306.33% |
| 17 | 1,578,947.37 $ | 1,398,947.37 $ | +337.17% |
| 18 | 1,677,631.58 $ | 1,497,631.58 $ | +368.01% |
| 19 | 1,776,315.79 $ | 1,596,315.79 $ | +398.85% |
| 20 | 1,875,000.00 $ | 1,695,000.00 $ | +429.69% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is ΔNWC subtracted when computing Free Cash Flow?+
An increase in Net Working Capital (rising accounts receivable or inventory) ties up cash on the balance sheet, reducing cash available for distribution.
Can ΔNWC be negative?+
Yes. Subscription businesses that collect annual cash upfront increase deferred revenue (a current liability), creating negative ΔNWC that boosts FCF.
How do I find the maximum CapEx budget for a target FCF?+
Select CapEx as the target variable and enter your projected OCF, working capital change, and required FCF floor.