More in Debt & Purchase
What this calculator does
This calculator turns a price tag into the time you must work to earn that money after taxes. It is a quick reality check for impulse purchases.
The math
After-tax hourly wage = gross wage × (1 − tax rate ÷ 100). Hours to afford the item = item cost ÷ after-tax hourly wage.
Worked example
A $250 item at an $18/hour wage with a 20% tax rate takes about 17.4 hours of after-tax work to pay for.
Why this matters
Most people underestimate the cost of small interest and fee decisions. This calculator turns the hidden math into a number you can act on today.
Methodology and transparency
This page publishes the exact formula used to compute the result, so you can verify it in a spreadsheet or check the assumptions against your own situation. The worked example uses the tool default inputs; change any number and the result updates live in your browser. No data is sent or stored.
Common questions
What tax rate should I use?
Use your effective tax rate, including federal, state, and FICA. A quick estimate is 20–30% for most workers.
Does this include benefits deductions?
No. It uses a single tax rate. If you want more precision, add your 401k, health insurance, and other deductions to the tax rate.
Can I use this for salary workers?
Yes. Divide your annual after-tax income by your annual work hours to get your real hourly rate.