Allowance Calculator
Work out a child’s weekly allowance from a base amount plus paid chores — with a save/spend/give split and the yearly total.
How it works
Weekly = base allowance + chores × pay per chore · Split into save / spend / give shares
Allowance is a low-stakes way to teach money habits, and the save/spend/give split turns it into a lesson rather than just pocket money. A base amount teaches budgeting a fixed income, while pay-per-chore ties extra earnings to effort — many families blend both. The three-jar approach (save, spend, give) mirrors how adults divide income and builds the habits early. This calculator splits the weekly total automatically and shows the yearly figure, which is often surprisingly large.
Worked example
A $5 base plus 4 chores at $1.50 each is $11 a week. With a 50% save and 10% give split, that is $5.50 saved, $4.40 to spend and $1.10 to give — and $572 over a full year.
Frequently asked questions
How much allowance is typical?
A common guideline is about $1 per year of age per week, so a 10-year-old might get around $10, but families vary widely. What matters more than the amount is consistency and pairing it with a simple save/spend/give structure.
Should allowance be tied to chores?
Opinions differ. Tying pay to chores teaches that money is earned; a small unconditional base plus paid extras is a popular middle ground, which is why this calculator supports both. Many parents keep basic household responsibilities unpaid and reserve pay for bigger optional tasks.
Why include a "give" jar?
Setting aside a small share for giving or donating builds generosity as a habit and helps children see money as a tool, not just something to spend. Even 10% is enough to make the lesson stick without leaving too little to spend.
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Educational estimate, not financial advice.