Net Worth Calculator
Your net worth is the single clearest snapshot of your financial health. It equals everything you own minus everything you owe. This calculator totals your cash, investments, home equity, and other assets, subtracts your debts, and benchmarks the result against Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances median net worth data by age group — so you know exactly where you stand.
When to use this calculator
- Tracking your financial progress year over year
- Preparing for a mortgage application or major loan
- Benchmarking your wealth against peers in your age group
- Setting a target net worth for early retirement planning
- Identifying whether debt reduction or investment growth is your best next move
How it works
2 min readWhat is Net Worth?
Net worth is the total value of your assets minus your liabilities, representing your actual financial position. It includes cash, investments, real estate equity, and personal property minus debts like mortgages and loans. The US median net worth is $192,700, but varies significantly by age group, with those 65–74 averaging $409,900.
How It Works
Net worth is calculated with a single formula:
Net Worth = Total Assets − Total Liabilities
Total Assets = Cash & Savings
+ Investments
+ Home Equity (Market Value − Mortgage)
+ Vehicle Value
+ Other Assets
Total Liabilities = Credit Card Debt
+ Student Loans
+ Auto Loans
+ Other Debts
(Mortgage is already netted in Home Equity)Important: The mortgage balance is subtracted directly from your home's market value to produce Home Equity, so it is not double-counted in liabilities.
Worked Example
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cash & Savings | $15,000 |
| Investments (401k + brokerage) | $50,000 |
| Home Value | $350,000 |
| Mortgage Balance | $280,000 |
| Home Equity | $70,000 |
| Vehicle Value | $20,000 |
| Other Assets | $5,000 |
| Total Assets | $160,000 |
| Credit Card Debt | $5,000 |
| Student Loans | $20,000 |
| Auto Loans | $12,000 |
| Other Debts | $3,000 |
| Total Liabilities | $40,000 |
| Net Worth | $120,000 |
Debt-to-Asset Ratio = $40,000 ÷ $160,000 = 25% — generally considered healthy (below 50%).
US Median Benchmarks by Age (Federal Reserve SCF 2022)
| Age Group | Median Net Worth |
|---|---|
| Under 35 | $39,000 |
| 35–44 | $135,600 |
| 45–54 | $247,200 |
| 55–64 | $364,500 |
| 65–74 | $409,900 |
| 75+ | $335,600 |
The calculator compares your result to the median for your selected age group and provides a rough percentile estimate using SCF distribution data.
Limitations
Frequently asked questions
What is a good net worth for my age?
According to the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, the US median net worth is $39,000 for under-35, $135,600 for ages 35–44, $247,200 for 45–54, $364,500 for 55–64, and $409,900 for 65–74. Being above the median for your age group is a solid starting point, but your personal goals matter more than any benchmark.
Should I include my 401(k) or IRA in my net worth?
Yes, retirement accounts are assets and should be included at their current market value. However, be aware that traditional 401(k) and IRA withdrawals will be taxed as ordinary income, so your true spendable value is somewhat lower. Roth accounts are post-tax and closer to face value.
Why is my mortgage not listed separately as a liability?
The mortgage is netted against the home's market value to calculate Home Equity. Including it again in liabilities would double-count the debt. The formula is: Home Equity = Home Market Value − Mortgage Balance. That equity figure then rolls into Total Assets.
What is the debt-to-asset ratio and what's considered healthy?
The debt-to-asset ratio = Total Liabilities ÷ Total Assets. A ratio below 50% is generally considered manageable; below 30% is strong. A ratio above 100% means your debts exceed your assets — a negative net worth situation that requires urgent attention.
How do I value my car for this calculator?
Use Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) or Edmunds to get a private-party or trade-in value for your vehicle's year, make, model, mileage, and condition. Use conservative estimates — dealers typically offer less than private-party value.
Should I include personal property like furniture, electronics, or jewelry?
You can, but most financial planners omit everyday personal property because it is hard to sell quickly and depreciates rapidly. Including high-value items like jewelry, art, or collectibles is reasonable if you have formal appraisals. Skip the sofa.
My net worth is negative — is that normal?
Yes, especially for younger adults. Student loans, auto loans, and a new mortgage commonly push net worth negative in your 20s and early 30s. The key metric to watch is the trend: if your net worth is improving each year, you are on the right path.
How often should I recalculate my net worth?
Most financial advisors recommend quarterly or at minimum once a year. Major life events — home purchase, job change, inheritance, large debt payoff — are also good triggers to recalculate so you have an accurate picture.
Does net worth include my income or salary?
No. Net worth is a balance-sheet snapshot of what you own minus what you owe at a given moment. Income is a flow that affects net worth over time (by adding to savings or reducing debt), but it is not directly included in the calculation.
What is the average (mean) vs. median net worth in the US?
The 2022 SCF reports a mean (average) US net worth of $1,059,470 and a median of $192,700. The mean is much higher because ultra-wealthy households skew it upward. The median is a better benchmark for most people since it represents the midpoint of the actual distribution.