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50/30/20 budget calculator

Find out how much of your income goes to essentials, wants and savings. Pick the rule that fits where you are right now.

Split rule

Use the income that lands in your account, after taxes.

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How we calculate

The 50/30/20 rule splits your take-home pay into three parts: 50% for needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings and debt. If your budget is tight, try 70/20/10; if you want to save more, 60/20/20.

It is a starting point, not a fixed rule. If your needs go over the limit, the adjustment usually comes from wants first.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a need?

Expenses you can’t cut in the short term: housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, health and minimum debt payments.

What if I have expensive debt?

Use the savings part to pay off the debts with the highest interest first.

Does it work with irregular income?

Yes. Use the average of the last few months, or your weakest month, to leave some room.

Other tools

Emergency fund How much to keep and how long it takes to get there. Use it → Savings goal How much to save each month to reach an amount by a date. Use it → Debt payoff planner Compare the avalanche and snowball methods with your own debts. Use it →