50/30/20 Budget Calculator

The 50/30/20 rule turns one salary number into a plan: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt.

$1,500.00

Needs (50%)

$900.00

Wants (30%)

$600.00

Savings and debt (20%)

The 50/30/20 rule: half for needs, 30% for wants, 20% for savings and extra debt payments.

How to use

  1. Enter your monthly net (after-tax) income.
  2. Read the three envelopes.
  3. Compare with your actual spending.

Examples

3,000 net income
Output: 1,500 needs, 900 wants, 600 savings.

Frequently asked questions

What if needs cost more than 50%?

Common in expensive cities. Treat the rule as a direction: squeeze wants first, protect savings second.

Related tools