Calculyn

Budget Calculator (50/30/20)

Split your take-home pay into needs, wants and savings with the 50/30/20 rule.

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Results update as you type.

Needs budget

$2,500/ month
Wants
$1,500
Savings & debt payoff
$1,000
Savings per year
$12,000
  • Needs50%
  • Wants30%
  • Savings20%
Needs budget$2,500

Results are estimates for planning and are not financial advice.

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Quick answer

On $5,000 a month take-home: $2,500 for needs, $1,500 for wants and $1,000 for savings.

How it works

The 50/30/20 rule puts half your take-home pay toward needs (housing, food, bills), 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings and extra debt payments.

Formula

Needs = pay × 50% · Wants = pay × 30% · Savings = pay × 20%

Assumptions & limitations

  • Results are rounded for display.

Frequently asked questions

What if my needs are more than 50%?

That's common in expensive cities. Adjust the percentages under more options and aim to keep savings as high as you can.

Should I use gross or net pay?

Use take-home (net) pay — the amount that actually lands in your account.