Budget Calculator (50/30/20)
See how your income is split and compare it against the 50/30/20 rule: 50% needs, 30% wants, and 20% savings and debt. Find out if you're overspending and how much is left unassigned.
What lands in your pocket each month, after taxes.
Needs
Goal 50%The essentials: housing, food, utilities, transport, health.
Wants
Goal 30%What you enjoy but could cut: outings, subscriptions.
Savings & debt
Goal 20%Savings, investing, and extra debt payments.
Track your budget month to month in a ready-to-use spreadsheet.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your net monthly income (what's left after taxes and deductions).
- Add your expenses across the three blocks. You can add or remove as many lines as you want.
- Read the result: the real percentage of each block, whether you're on target, and how much is left unassigned.
The 50/30/20 rule, made simple
A simple way to split your net income into three blocks:
- 50% Needs: the essentials you can't stop paying.
- 30% Wants: what you enjoy but could cut.
- 20% Savings & debt: savings, investing, and extra debt payments.
It's a starting point, not a law. What matters is that needs don't eat everything, wants don't overflow, and something always goes toward your future. To go deeper, read our guide on how to split your income.
Healthy percentages by category (reference)
Within needs, these ranges are generally considered healthy. They are a general reference and vary with your city and situation:
- Housing: 25–30% of income.
- Transport: 10–15%.
- Food: 10–15%.
- Utilities: 5–10%.
- Savings: 15–20% or more, the sooner the better.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 50/30/20 rule?
It's a simple guide to split your net income: 50% to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt payments. It's a starting point to organize your budget, not a rigid rule.
Do I use gross or net income?
Net income: what's left after taxes and deductions. That's the money you actually live on and decide with, so it's the right base for your budget.
What counts as a need versus a want?
A need is something you can't stop paying without affecting your basic life: housing, food, utilities, transport, health. A want is something you enjoy but could cut: outings, subscriptions, shopping. When in doubt, ask: can I live without this this month?
What if I can't reach 20% savings?
It's very common. Start with whatever you can, even 5%, and raise it gradually. Cutting wants or renegotiating expensive needs gives you room to save more over time.
Does the calculator store my data?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser and nothing is sent or saved. Reloading the page resets it to the example.
This tool is educational and provides estimates. It is not financial advice. The percentages are general references and may vary with your situation and country.