Household Budget Calculator
Split your net income by the 50/30/20 rule with 50 % needs, 30 % wants, and 20 % savings for clear budget guidance. Runs in your browser, GDPR-compliant.
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Legal notice
Current as of: 11.08.2026.
The results reflect the legal and fiscal state as of the date stated above. They are provided for general information and initial guidance only. They are not individual financial, tax or legal advice, and no guarantee is given as to their accuracy, completeness or suitability for your circumstances. In particular, the results are not a substitute for an official or judicial assessment. Please check the information independently and seek qualified advice where appropriate, as you are solely responsible for any decision made in reliance on the result.
How to use this tool (video)
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Allocate your household budget: the 50/30/20 rule
Use the household budget calculator to split your monthly net income by the well-known 50/30/20 rule: 50 % needs, 30 % wants and 20 % savings and repayment. You get a realistic budget guideline at a glance.
What does 50/30/20 mean?
- 50 % needs: rent, utilities, groceries, insurance, public transport or car, recurring contracts.
- 30 % wants: eating out, hobbies, streaming, travel, shopping.
- 20 % savings and repayment: emergency fund, reserves, paying off debts and loans.
Important context
The 50/30/20 rule originates in the USA ("All Your Worth", Elizabeth Warren, 2005) and is recommended in Germany as a guideline, not a rigid requirement. Especially with lower or average income, needs may exceed 50 % in some regions. What matters is a split you can sustain long term.
How to use the calculator
- Enter your monthly net income (after tax and social contributions).
- Click "Distribute budget" to see the three shares in euros.
- Compare your actual spending with the suggested shares.
This calculation is a guideline
The calculator provides a general budget-planning rule of thumb. It does not replace individual financial advice, or tax, debt or investment advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 50/30/20 rule?
A rule-of-thumb budget split: 50 % of net income for needs, 30 % for wants and leisure, and 20 % for savings and repayment.
Is 50/30/20 common in Germany?
The rule is recommended as a guideline but is not an official or legal requirement. With lower income the needs share may exceed 50 %. Adjust the shares to your reality.
Does rent count as a need?
Yes, rent and utilities clearly count as needs (the first 50 %). Deduct them first when checking your budget split.
Are my details stored?
No. All calculations run 100 % locally in your browser. Your inputs are neither sent to a server nor stored.