How to Read the Burn Sensitivity Table
A guide to the burn sensitivity table in the AskBiz burn rate drill-down panel — how different cost level scenarios are presented and how to use them for decision-making.
Key Takeaways
- The sensitivity table shows how your daily burn rate and cash runway change at different total monthly cost levels.
- Each row in the table represents a cost scenario — from lower than current spend to higher — letting you see the runway impact without editing your configuration.
- Use the table to identify the cost reduction target needed to reach a specific runway milestone.
What the Sensitivity Table Is
The Burn Sensitivity Table is a pre-calculated scenario matrix found within the burn rate drill-down panel. It answers the question: "If my total monthly costs were different, how would my runway change?" Rather than requiring you to manually edit the Cost Configuration Drawer multiple times, the table presents several cost scenarios in a single view, showing the resulting daily burn rate and cash runway for each. This allows you to quickly scan a range of possibilities and understand the financial leverage of different cost positions relative to your current setup.
How to Read the Table
The table is organised in rows, each representing a different total monthly cost scenario. The columns typically include: Total Monthly Cost (the scenario cost figure), Daily Burn Rate (that scenario's daily cost), and Cash Runway (how many months of runway that scenario produces with your current cash balance). The row representing your current actual cost configuration is highlighted or marked with a "Current" label so you can see where you stand in the range. Rows above the current row show higher-cost scenarios (what happens if costs increase). Rows below show lower-cost scenarios (what happens if you cut costs). Each row uses the same cash balance you configured, only varying the cost side of the equation.
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Start for free →Using the Table to Set Cost Reduction Targets
The most practical use of the sensitivity table is working backwards from a desired runway outcome. For example, suppose your current configuration shows 3.5 months of runway (amber zone). You want to reach 6 months of runway (green zone). Scan the table rows below your current line until you find a row that shows 6 months of runway. Read the Total Monthly Cost for that row — that is your cost reduction target. The difference between your current monthly cost and that target cost tells you exactly how much you need to cut each month to achieve 6 months of runway. This transforms an abstract goal ("extend runway") into a concrete operational target ("reduce monthly costs by $X").
Scenario Planning With the Table
Beyond cost reduction, the sensitivity table is useful for planning cost increases. Before making a significant new expenditure — hiring a new employee, signing a new lease, committing to a new platform — find the row in the table that represents your costs after the increase. The runway figure in that row shows you what the decision will cost you in operational time. A hire that extends your monthly costs by $4,500 might drop your runway from 7 months to 5 months. That is not necessarily a reason to not hire, but it is important context for the decision. The table does not make the decision; it ensures you are making it with your eyes open to the financial trade-off.