Free · 50% needs · 30% wants · 20% savings
50/30/20
Budget Calculator
Split your take-home pay into Needs, Wants and Savings — the simple rule that keeps your money in balance.
Visual donut
Spending check
Monthly targets
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Your monthly income
Your actual spending (optional)
The rule: 50% needs · 30% wants · 20% savings of after-tax income. Adjust if your city is expensive or you are paying off debt.
Your 50/30/20 targets
Needs (50%)
$2,000
Wants (30%)
$1,200
Savings (20%)
$800
You vs the plan
Needs
✓ $1,800 of $2,000
Wants
✓ $900 of $1,200
Savings
✓ $1,300 of $800
Tip: automate the 20% savings bucket on payday. You cannot spend money you never see.
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Save before you spend
Move the 20% savings bucket to a separate account on payday. Paying yourself first is the habit that builds wealth.
Needs are the floor
If needs climb above 50%, you are one emergency from trouble. Watch the biggest fixed costs — housing, transport, insurance.
Wants are allowed
The 30% wants bucket is your freedom. Budget it deliberately so guilt-free spending never threatens your savings.
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FAQ
50/30/20 FAQ
What is the 50/30/20 rule?
A budgeting rule that splits your after-tax income into three buckets: 50% for needs (housing, food, bills), 30% for wants (dining, travel, hobbies) and 20% for savings and debt.
What counts as a "need"?
Essentials you cannot avoid: housing, utilities, groceries, transport, minimum debt payments and insurance. Roughly 50% of your after-tax income.
What counts as a "want"?
Everything optional that makes life enjoyable: dining out, subscriptions, travel, hobbies, shopping. Keep this at about 30%.
What does the 20% savings include?
Retirement contributions, emergency fund, investments and paying off debt above the minimum. It is your wealth-building bucket.
Is 50/30/20 right for everyone?
It is a great starting point, but adjust it: high-cost cities may need 60/20/20, and those with debt may prefer 50/20/30. The rule forces the key habit — save first.
Should I budget gross or net income?
Net (after-tax) income. The rule is built on what actually reaches your bank account each month.
What if my needs exceed 50%?
Trim wants or housing. If needs exceed ~60%, the budget becomes fragile — look for the biggest fixed costs to reduce.
How do I track my spending?
Start with a simple app or spreadsheet for one month, categorize every purchase, then compare with the 50/30/20 targets using this calculator.