Free 50/30/20 Budget Calculator
Enter your take-home pay and instantly see how much to spend on needs, wants, and savings using the 50/30/20 budgeting rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 50/30/20 rule?
The 50/30/20 rule is a simple budgeting method that splits your after-tax income into three categories: 50% for needs (rent, groceries, utilities), 30% for wants (dining out, subscriptions, hobbies), and 20% for savings and extra debt payoff.
Is the 50/30/20 rule based on gross or net income?
The 50/30/20 rule is based on your net (take-home) income — the amount left after taxes and paycheck deductions, not your gross salary.
What counts as a "need" vs a "want"?
Needs are essential, non-negotiable costs like housing, groceries, utilities, insurance, and minimum debt payments. Wants are non-essential spending you enjoy but could live without, like dining out, streaming subscriptions, and hobbies.
What if my needs are more than 50% of my income?
That is common, especially in high cost-of-living areas. Use the calculator as a target to work toward rather than a strict rule — start by trimming wants and slowly shifting the ratio over a few months.