Investing & Savings

Budget Calculator (50/30/20 Rule)

The 50/30/20 rule is a simple way to budget: 50% of take-home pay for needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings and debt payoff. Enter your income to see your numbers, then adjust the split to suit you.

How to use the Budget Calculator (50/30/20 Rule)

Fill in the fields on the left. Results, charts and the breakdown update instantly as you type or move a slider. Pick your country at the top of the page to switch currency.

Formula

Needs = take-home pay × 50% Wants = take-home pay × 30% Savings & debt payoff = take-home pay × 20%

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a need?

Housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, transport to work and minimum debt payments.

What if my needs are more than 50%?

Common in high-cost cities. Trim wants first, and keep saving something every month.

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CalcKite. (2026). Budget Calculator (50/30/20 Rule) [Online calculator]. https://www.calckite.com/budget-calculator/

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Results are estimates for information only and are not financial, tax or legal advice. Tax rules, interest rates and fees change, so confirm important numbers with your bank, employer or a qualified adviser. Read our disclaimer.