A tithe is traditionally a tenth of income given to a religious community, from the Old English word for tenth. Practice varies widely between traditions and individuals, so the percentage is an input here rather than fixed at ten. Many people give a smaller proportion and increase it over time; others give considerably more.
The recurring question is whether the tithe applies to gross income or to income after tax. There is no universal answer and different congregations teach different things. The calculator lets you enter whichever figure you have decided to use and shows both the periodic and annual totals so the choice is made with the numbers visible.
On the defaults, 10% of $4,200 of monthly income is $420 a month, or $5,040 a year. Adding a separate offering increases both. If the same amount were given from income after a 25% tax charge, the monthly figure would be $315.
The formula
income- Income for the period
percentage- Proportion you have chosen to give
offering- Any additional giving on top
annual- The periodic figure multiplied by twelve
How to use this calculator
- Enter your income for the period, gross or net as you have decided.
- Set the percentage you give; ten percent is the traditional tithe.
- Add any separate offering that sits on top of the tithe.
- The gauge shows the periodic amount; the annual total appears below.
Worked examples
10% of $4,200 a month
$4,200 × 0.10 = $420 a month, $5,040 over the year, or $96.92 a week. If you moved to weekly giving, that last figure is the one to set up as a standing order.
Gross against net
On $4,200 gross the tithe is $420. After a 25% tax charge the same percentage on $3,150 gives $315 — a difference of $105 a month, or $1,260 a year.
How to read your score
Frequently asked questions
Should a tithe be on gross or net income?
Traditions differ and there is no settled answer. Giving on gross is the older reading; giving on net is common where income tax is high. Both figures are shown here so the decision can be made deliberately.
Is ten percent required?
It is the traditional figure the word itself refers to, but practice varies enormously and many communities emphasise regular proportionate giving over a specific number. The percentage is an input for that reason.
Does charitable giving reduce my tax?
In many countries it can, through schemes such as Gift Aid in the United Kingdom or itemised deductions in the United States. The rules and limits differ by jurisdiction, so check locally rather than assuming.
Should irregular income be tithed the same way?
Most people apply the same percentage as each payment arrives, which keeps the giving proportionate without needing to forecast the year. Enter each payment separately here.
What counts as income for this purpose?
Again, traditions vary. Some count only earned income, others include investment returns and gifts. Decide once, write it down, and apply it consistently rather than case by case.
Giving reference
| Monthly income | 5% | 10% | 15% | Annual at 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $75 | $150 | $225 | $1,800 |
| $2,500 | $125 | $250 | $375 | $3,000 |
| $4,200 | $210 | $420 | $630 | $5,040 |
| $6,000 | $300 | $600 | $900 | $7,200 |
| $9,000 | $450 | $900 | $1,350 | $10,800 |
Figures assume the percentage is applied to the income shown, whether that is gross or net.