Fireworks Budget Calculator
Split a backyard fireworks budget into aerial cakes, a finale and ground effects, and see how many cakes you can afford.
How it works
Cakes budget = 50% · Finale = 30% · Ground = 20% · Cakes = floor(cakes budget ÷ cost per cake)
A satisfying backyard show puts about half the budget into aerial "cakes" — the multi-shot boxes that do the heavy lifting — reserves roughly 30% for a bigger, denser finale to end on, and spends the last 20% on fountains, sparklers and ground effects that fill gaps between the big shots. Buying one large finale piece instead of many small cakes usually gives a stronger ending for the money.
Worked example
From a $300 budget, 50% ($150) goes to cakes: at $25 each that is floor(150 ÷ 25) = 6 cakes. The finale gets 30% ($90) and ground effects 20% ($60). Across 20 guests that is about $15 per person.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I budget for a backyard fireworks show?
It scales with how long a show you want. A short 5-minute display can run $100–$200, while a 15-minute show with a strong finale often runs $300–$600. Splitting it 50/30/20 across cakes, finale and ground effects keeps the pacing balanced.
What is a firework "cake"?
A cake is a single box holding many tubes that fire in sequence from one fuse, producing a run of aerial effects. Because it does a lot from one light, cakes are the backbone of a home show and where most of the budget goes.
Are consumer fireworks legal where I live?
Laws vary widely by country, state and even city — some allow aerial consumer fireworks, others permit only ground-based items or ban them outright. Check your local regulations and any burn bans before buying, and always follow the safety instructions on each item.
Related calculators
This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.