About the 50/30/20 budget
This budget calculator splits your monthly take-home income into needs, wants and savings using the popular 50/30/20 rule, or your own percentages. It is a simple way to plan spending: 50% for essentials, 30% for lifestyle and 20% for savings and debt repayment. It runs entirely in your browser.
How Budget works
How to use it
- Enter your monthly take-home (after-tax) income.
- Keep the 50/30/20 split or pick another.
- See how much to allocate to each category.
What goes where
Needs (50%): rent, bills, groceries, transport. Wants (30%): dining out, hobbies, subscriptions. Savings (20%): emergency fund, investments and extra debt payments.
Make it yours
The 50/30/20 rule is a starting point. In high-cost areas needs may take more; if you can, push savings higher. Use the custom option to match your situation.
Common uses
- Split income with the 50/30/20 rule
- Plan a monthly budget
- Set a savings target
- Balance needs and wants
- Start budgeting simply
- Customise your own split
- Allocate after-tax income
- Build better money habits
Frequently asked questions
What is the 50/30/20 rule?
Spend 50% of take-home pay on needs, 30% on wants and 20% on savings and debt.
Should I use gross or net income?
Use take-home (after-tax) income.
Can I change the percentages?
Yes — choose a preset or enter your own split.
What counts as a need vs a want?
Needs are essentials you must pay; wants are lifestyle choices you could cut.
What if my needs exceed 50%?
Common in high-cost areas — trim wants and savings, or increase income.
Is my data uploaded?
No — it calculates in your browser.
Is this financial advice?
No — it is a simple budgeting framework.
Is it free?
Yes — completely free with no sign-up.