50/30/20 budget calculator

Split your take-home pay into needs, wants and savings in seconds. Free, private, runs in your browser.

How it works

The 50/30/20 rule splits after-tax income into 50% needs (housing, utilities, groceries, minimum debt payments), 30% wants (dining out, hobbies, subscriptions) and 20% savings and extra debt payments.

Example: $4,000 → $2,000 needs, $1,200 wants, $800 savings.

Learn more

Debt snowball vs avalanche: a side-by-side exampleDebt snowball vs debt avalanche compared with a real worked example: three debts, one monthly budget, payoff order, months to debt-free and total interest for each method.

FAQ

Is 50/30/20 right for everyone?

It is a starting point. In high-cost areas needs can exceed 50%. Adjust the split, but keep saving something every month.

Should I use gross or net income?

Use after-tax (take-home) income.

Where do debt payments go?

Minimum payments are needs. Extra payments to clear debt faster count toward the 20%.

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