Split your monthly income into needs, wants and savings with the 50/30/20 rule.
Calculated instantly in your browser.
How do you calculate a 50/30/20 budget?
Each category amount = income × its percentage ÷ 100, with the three percentages adding up to 100%. The default split sends 50% to needs (essentials like rent and bills), 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt. On 5,000 a month that is 2,500 to needs, 1,500 to wants and 1,000 to savings. You can adjust the percentages.
Understanding your result
“Needs” are essentials like rent, bills and groceries; “wants” are lifestyle spending; the final share goes to savings and extra debt payments. Adjust the split if your essentials are higher or lower.
Formula and method
Each category amount = income × its percentage ÷ 100. The three percentages must add up to 100%.
Worked example
On 5,000 a month with the default split: 2,500 to needs, 1,500 to wants and 1,000 to savings.
How to use this tool
- Enter your monthly after-tax income.
- Keep 50/30/20 or set your own percentages (totalling 100%).
- See how much goes to needs, wants and savings.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using gross (pre-tax) income instead of take-home pay.
- Setting percentages that do not add up to 100%.
About the Budget Calculator (50/30/20)
The Budget Calculator splits your monthly take-home pay using the popular 50/30/20 rule — 50% to needs, 30% to wants and 20% to savings and debt — and shows the amounts with a breakdown chart. You can adjust the percentages to suit you.
Who should use this tool
Anyone who wants a simple, proven starting point for managing their money each month.
Benefits
- Turn one income figure into a clear monthly plan.
- Adjust the split to match your goals.
- See the breakdown at a glance with a chart.
- Private — your income never leaves your browser.
Practical use cases
- Setting up a first monthly budget.
- Checking whether your spending fits the 50/30/20 guideline.
- Planning how much to put toward savings or debt.
Explore all Finance and Loans tools
Frequently asked questions
Should I use gross or net income?
Use your after-tax (take-home) income, since that is what you actually have to budget.
Can I change the 50/30/20 split?
Yes. Edit the three percentages — for example 60/20/20 if your essentials are higher — as long as they total 100%.