What is a savings rate?

A savings rate is the percentage of your income that you save or invest instead of spending.

How do I calculate my savings rate?

A common method is (savings ÷ income) × 100. Some calculators compute savings as income minus expenses, depending on how you enter your inputs.

Should I use gross income or take-home pay?

Either can work, but be consistent. Using gross income generally produces a lower savings rate percentage than using take-home pay.

Does debt payoff count as savings?

Some people count extra debt principal payments as savings because they improve net worth. Others track them separately. Choose a definition and use it consistently for comparison over time.

Why does my savings rate change month to month?

Income, expenses, and irregular costs can vary each month. Tracking trends over time can be more useful than focusing on a single month.

Savings Rate Calculator: Learn More

This calculator estimates your savings rate—the percent of your income you save or invest instead of spending.

What to enter

Income: monthly or annual (just stay consistent across fields).
Expenses: total spending in the same timeframe as income.
Savings: if not auto-calculated as income minus expenses.

How to read the results

Savings rate %: the portion of your income you’re keeping (saving/investing).
Use this metric to track progress toward goals like building a buffer, investing, or reducing debt.

Important assumptions

Results depend on whether you enter gross or net income—either is fine, just be consistent.
Different definitions of “savings” (401k, brokerage, cash, debt payoff) can change your rate.

Try these quick experiments

Compare gross vs net income inputs to see how the percentage changes.
Track your savings rate month-to-month to spot trends rather than aiming for perfection.

Educational use only. Not financial advice.