Gym Startup Cost Calculator
Estimate the total capital to open your gym — equipment CAPEX, build-out, pre-opening costs and working capital reserve, line by line.
Model v1.0.0 · Data generated 2026-10-01 · 0 benchmark metrics
Select a scenario to pre-fill realistic defaults for that facility type.
Anonymous, bucketed. We only store your decision profile (size, tier, scenario, result band) — never your inputs or identity.
Total Startup Capital
$474,630
50% confidence · model v1.0.0
Startup capital breakdown
Estimated total capital to open a 800 sqm mid-tier mixed-focused facility.
| Cost Item | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment CAPEX | $173,300 | 37% |
| Build-out / fit-out | $200,000 | 42% |
| Pre-opening costs | $17,330 | 4% |
| Working capital (3 months) | $84,000 | 18% |
Plan the equipment mix first
Equipment is typically the largest controllable line. Use the planner to lock counts before signing purchase orders.
Open Equipment Planner →Validate the financial case
Carry the total CAPEX into the ROI calculator to check payback before committing capital.
Calculate ROI →Assumptions
- • Fit-out cost per sqm: $250/sqm
- • Pre-opening cost ratio: 10% of equipment CAPEX
- • Monthly operating cost: $35/sqm/month
- • Equipment CAPEX basis: mid tier × mixed mix
- • Working capital reserve: 3 month(s) of operating cost
Limitations
- • Rent / deposit not included — Lease terms vary too widely; add your own deposit and first-month rent on top.
- • US-benchmark defaults — Fit-out and opex rates default to US commercial benchmarks pending editorial review (B2).
- • Linear scaling heuristic — Costs scale linearly with area; large boxes may benefit from economies of scale.
Data sources & method
This tool uses FitnessNav benchmark data: equipment useful life, maintenance %, energy consumption, pricing and scenario presets. Every assumption shown in the result references its benchmark metric. Benchmarks are verified over time through industry research — draft values are clearly flagged.
Gym Startup Cost Calculator — frequently asked questions
What are the four capital components?
Equipment CAPEX (density × mix × tier pricing), fit-out ($250/m² benchmark), pre-opening costs (10% of equipment CAPEX) and working capital ($35/m²/month × your reserve months).
How much capital for an 800 m² mid-tier gym?
Equipment lands near $150k–$190k for a mixed floor (800 m² × 0.035 = ~28 units at blended mid pricing); fit-out adds $200,000; pre-opening ~$17k and working capital $84,000 round out roughly $450k–$490k all-in.
Does working capital really need 3 months?
Three months of operating reserves is the default because membership ramp-up lags opening by one to two quarters. Extend to 6 months in low-footfall locations.
Is franchise fit-out cheaper than this estimate?
Franchises often negotiate fit-out below the $250/m² retail benchmark but add franchise fees outside this model — compare against your franchise disclosure document.