Net Worth Calculator
Add up your assets and subtract your debts to see where you stand financially.
Assets
Liabilities
Your Net Worth
$190,000
Above median for age 35
Total Assets
$500,000
Total Debt
$310,000
Debt/Asset Ratio
62.0%
How You Compare (Age 35)
Asset Allocation
Disclaimer
- Age comparisons based on Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances data.
- Median is more representative than average (skewed by ultra-wealthy).
- Track net worth quarterly or annually to measure progress.
What Is Net Worth and Why Does It Matter?
Net worth is the simplest measure of financial health: total assets minus total liabilities. A positive net worth means you own more than you owe. Tracking net worth over time gives you a clearer picture of progress than income alone — you could earn $200,000/year and still have a negative net worth if debt exceeds assets.
Average Net Worth by Age in America
According to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances, here are the median and mean net worth figures by age group:
| Age Group | Median | Average (Mean) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $39,000 | $183,000 |
| 35-44 | $135,000 | $549,000 |
| 45-54 | $247,000 | $975,000 |
| 55-64 | $364,000 | $1,566,000 |
| 65-74 | $410,000 | $1,794,000 |
| 75+ | $335,000 | $1,624,000 |
The large gap between median and mean shows how skewed wealth distribution is — a few very wealthy individuals pull the average far above the typical household. The median is a better benchmark for most people.
How to Increase Your Net Worth
Net worth grows through two mechanisms: increasing assets (saving and investing) and decreasing liabilities (paying off debt). The most impactful strategies include maxing out retirement accounts (tax-advantaged growth), paying extra on high-interest debt, avoiding lifestyle inflation, and building home equity through regular mortgage payments.
Liquid vs Total Net Worth
Total net worth includes everything — home equity, retirement accounts, vehicles. Liquid net worth only counts assets you can access quickly: cash, taxable investments, and savings. Your liquid net worth determines how well you can handle emergencies without selling your home or incurring early withdrawal penalties.
Federal Reserve — Survey of Consumer Finances→Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include my home in net worth?
Yes — your home is an asset and the mortgage is a liability. Include both. However, be conservative with your home value estimate. Use recent comparable sales, not Zillow's optimistic Zestimate. For financial planning, focus on liquid net worth for short-term decisions and total net worth for long-term tracking.
What if my net worth is negative?
A negative net worth is common for young adults with student loans or recent home buyers with small down payments. It is not permanent. Focus on building an emergency fund, paying down high-interest debt, and increasing your savings rate. Most people transition to positive net worth in their 30s.
How often should I calculate my net worth?
Quarterly is ideal — frequent enough to track progress, infrequent enough to avoid obsessing over market fluctuations. Record the number in a spreadsheet to see your trajectory over months and years.
Track your emergency savings progress with our Emergency Fund Calculator.