🧮 50/30/20 Budget Calculator
Free 50/30/20 budget calculator. Split your take-home pay into needs, wants and savings, customize the ratios and compare your actual spending against the targets.
How this calculator works
The 50/30/20 rule divides after-tax income into three buckets: about half for needs (housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, minimum debt payments, transport to work), about 30% for wants (dining out, subscriptions, travel, hobbies) and about 20% for savings and extra debt repayment. It is a starting framework, not a law — in high-cost cities, needs can legitimately exceed 50%, and aggressive savers may flip wants and savings.
Adjust the sliders to your own split, then enter what you actually spend to get specific feedback on where the gap is.
Frequently asked questions
Is 50/30/20 based on gross or net income?
Net (take-home) income — what lands in your account after taxes and payroll deductions. If you contribute to a workplace retirement plan before tax, you can count that toward the 20%.
What if my needs are over 50%?
That is common in expensive housing markets. Reduce wants first, then look for structural fixes such as a roommate, refinancing or a cheaper commute.
Where should the 20% go?
Typically in order: a starter emergency fund, any employer match, high-interest debt, a full emergency fund, then long-term investing.
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Results are estimates for educational purposes based on the inputs and assumptions shown; they are not a guarantee or a recommendation. Last reviewed October 30, 2026.