Tithe Calculator

I built this one for our church's generosity teaching series. The questions that come up most often are practical ones: what does 10% actually look like on my paycheck? What's the difference between gross and net? Having a tool that answers those questions removes the friction of actually figuring it out.

Gross vs net, a common question

The question of whether to tithe on gross or net income is a theological one that different traditions answer differently. Those who tithe on gross argue that the full income is what God provides before the government takes its portion. Those who tithe on net argue that you can only give from what you actually receive. A third perspective focuses less on the percentage and more on the practice of giving generously and consistently, whatever that looks like in your specific situation.

The history of the tithe

Tithing, giving a tenth, appears throughout the Hebrew scriptures, practiced by Abraham before the Mosaic law (Genesis 14), codified in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, and reinforced by the prophets (Malachi 3). In the New Testament, Jesus commends the practice while emphasizing that justice, mercy, and faithfulness are the weightier matters (Matthew 23:23). The early church gave radically and sacrificially, with the Jerusalem community sharing possessions in common (Acts 2 and 4). The 10% figure serves as a starting point for generosity conversations in many traditions, not a ceiling.

Making giving systematic

Automatic giving, setting up a recurring transfer or automatic draft from your bank account, is the most reliable way to make giving a consistent practice. Giving from what arrives in your account before other spending removes the week-by-week decision about whether to give. Many people find that automatic giving also removes the emotional friction that comes with variable financial circumstances, the giving happens regardless of whether a particular week feels financially easy or tight.

Giving beyond the tithe

Many giving traditions speak of the tithe as a floor, not a ceiling. Offerings beyond the tithe, to missions organizations, special projects, individuals in need, or other causes, represent a different category of generosity. This calculator handles any percentage, so you can model what 12% or 15% or 20% looks like on your current income.

Frequently asked questions

Should I tithe on a bonus or unexpected income?

This is a personal and theological decision. Many people who tithe regularly apply the same percentage to bonuses, tax refunds, and other unexpected income as a way of treating all provision consistently. Others tithe on regular income and give separately from windfalls. Neither approach is universally prescribed.

What if I can't afford to tithe right now?

Starting where you are is always an option. Some people begin with 1–2% and increase by 1% each year until reaching their giving goal. Consistent generosity at a smaller percentage often builds the habit and trust that makes larger giving feel natural over time. The practice matters alongside the amount.

Is tithing tax deductible?

Charitable contributions to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations are deductible as itemized deductions. Most churches qualify. Under the current standard deduction ($15,000 single / $30,000 married filing jointly for 2026), most taxpayers don't benefit from itemizing, so the tax benefit of tithing is not as significant as it once was for most households.