Survival Provision Calculator
Food, water, & supply estimates for your whole household — people, pets, & livestock
Enter who & what you are responsible for, choose your time window, & get planning numbers that reflect real-world conditions.
The overview below combines current events, seasonal patterns, & known regional risks to give context for what you are planning against.Results default to the United States & the imperial measurement system. Enter your country to adjust for your region.
Start here
Current issues to prep around — United States
What to buy first
Plan for Every Person in Your Care
Account for Your Companion Animals
Plan for Your Herd, Flock, & Farm Animals
Plan for What Your Household Can't Go Without
Estimate Power Use, Generator Size, & Backup Runtime
Check the sticker on the back or bottom of each device and look for a number with a "W" — that's the wattage. If you only see volts and amps, multiply them together to get a rough number. Add each device, how many you have, its wattage, and how many hours a day you run it. For things that cycle on and off — like a fridge or AC — use a realistic daily average instead of assuming they run all day.
Shelf-Stable Food Ideas for Different Household Needs
Suggested Timeline
Sustainable Ways to Build Necessities Over Time
Start With One Category
Pick one simple thing first. Good starts are bread, broth, soap, a small herb garden, cloth napkins, or easy sewing repairs.
Focus on Repeatable Basics
Choose skills that save money and help in hard times. Good examples are preserving food, dehydrating produce, line drying, and basic mending.
Build a “Home Systems” Shelf
Keep a small area for jars, labels, vinegar, baking soda, salts, repair items, and spare containers.
Pick One Practical Next Step
Choose one skill or supply area to build this season, such as pantry rotation, preserving food, a small kitchen herb garden, home apothecary basics, or simple DIY repair supplies. Consistent small upgrades are usually easier to maintain than trying to change everything at once.
- Learn one preservation method first: freezing, dehydrating, or water-bath canning.
- Duplicate what already works in your household before experimenting.
- Track what your household runs through fastest, then decide whether part of that need can be grown, repaired, preserved, reused, or made at home over time.
- Favor tools and ingredients with multiple uses over niche specialty supplies.
FAQ
Do I need to buy everything at once?
No. Start with what your household already uses and build in layers: 72 hours, 2 weeks, then 30 days. Slow, steady stocking usually works better than panic buying.
Why are the water totals so high?
The tool shows more than drinking water. It also includes basic cooking water and basic hygiene or sanitation water so you can plan for a more realistic emergency setup.
Are these numbers exact medical or veterinary recommendations?
No. These are planning estimates. Age, disability, climate, illness, pregnancy, medications, and activity can all change real needs. Use this as a preparedness starting point, not a diagnosis or prescription.
What if someone in my household is a picky eater or has sensory needs?
Start with familiar foods first. Preparedness works best when the stored food is truly edible, tolerated, and emotionally manageable for the people who will need it. Texture, routine, and safe foods matter just as much as shelf life.
What if I do not have enough storage space?
Use a smaller layered system. A modest reserve that is organized and rotated is more useful than a large stash you cannot manage. Try under-bed bins, closet shelves, stackable containers, or small backups tucked behind the foods you already use every week.
Does this tool save my information?
No. This calculator runs in your browser and does not save your household details to a server. Export and print actions are generated locally on your device.
What does “nameplate wattage” mean?
Nameplate wattage is the power number printed on the device itself, its charger, or its manufacturer label. It is often near the plug information, model number, or electrical rating area. This is usually the best starting point for generator and battery planning.
Why are running watts and starting watts different?
Some devices, especially anything with a motor or compressor, need a brief extra surge to start. A refrigerator, freezer, pump, or air conditioner may run at one wattage but need much more for a second or two when turning on. Your backup power setup has to handle both.
What is the difference between watts, watt-hours, and kilowatt-hours?
Watts tell you how much power something is using right now. Watt-hours tell you how much energy it used over time. Kilowatt-hours are just larger energy units: 1 kilowatt-hour equals 1,000 watt-hours.
Why do voltage, frequency, and plug type matter?
Different countries use different household electrical standards. A device may not safely run, or may not plug in at all, if the voltage or frequency does not match your region. Always check the appliance label or manual before buying a generator, inverter, or travel adapter setup.