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50/30/20 Budget Calculator

Split your take-home pay into needs, wants and savings with the 50/30/20 rule — or set your own percentages — and compare with your actual spending.

For information and education only — not financial advice. Results are estimates based on the numbers you enter; check important decisions with a qualified professional.

How to use

  1. 1Enter your monthly take-home pay.
  2. 2Adjust the split if you like, and optionally enter what you actually spend in each group.

How it's calculated

Needs = income × 50%, wants = income × 30%, savings and debt repayment = income × 20% (percentages adjustable).

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a need?

Essentials you'd struggle without: rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, insurance, transport to work and minimum debt payments.

Where do extra debt payments go?

In the 20% savings group — paying off debt beyond the minimum improves your finances just like saving does.

What if my needs are more than 50%?

That's common in high-cost cities. Try 60/20/20 or 70/20/10 and work toward lowering fixed costs over time.