Budget calculator
A budget calculator helps you see how much of your income is left after covering regular expenses. It works with the numbers you already have—salary, rent, utilities, groceries, and any other recurring costs.
You can use the result to plan savings, debt payments, or discretionary spending. This tool is part of Calculators Wiki, a free resource for everyday financial math.
How it's calculated
Basic formula
Net Budget = Total Income – Total Expenses
- List all sources of income for the period (e.g., monthly salary, freelance work, side gigs).
- List all recurring expenses (rent, utilities, food, transport, insurance, etc.).
- Subtract the sum of expenses from the sum of income.
Worked example
- Monthly salary: $3,200
- Freelance income: $500
- Total Income = $3,200 + $500 = $3,700
- Rent: $1,200
- Utilities: $150
- Groceries: $300
- Transportation: $100
- Subscriptions: $50
- Total Expenses = $1,200 + $150 + $300 + $100 + $50 = $1,800
Net Budget = $3,700 – $1,800 = $1,900
This $1,900 can be allocated to savings, debt repayment, or discretionary spending.
For a deeper look at how budgeting fits into longer‑term financial planning, see our compound interest calculator. For official guidance on budgeting basics, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: consumerfinance.gov