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How to Calculate Tithe from Salary

How to Calculate Tithe from Salary

How to Calculate Tithe from Salary: Complete Guide (2025)

MyTitheCalculator Team
August 22, 2025

Key Spiritual Insights

1

Calculate your tithe by dividing your annual salary by 10, then break it down by your payment frequency for regular giving

2

Whether you tithe on gross or net salary is a personal decision - choose the method that feels right before God and stick to it consistently

3

For irregular income, use previous year's earnings or a 3-year average to determine your annual tithe amount

4

Set up automatic transfers to make tithing effortless and ensure you give your 'firstfruits' before other expenses

5

Use online calculators and budgeting tools to make tithe calculation simple and maintain consistent biblical stewardship

Introduction: Bringing Clarity to Tithing from Salary

For over a decade, I have walked alongside church members, young believers, and treasurers as they wrestled with one of the most practical questions in biblical stewardship: “How do I calculate my tithe from my salary?”. After years of counseling families on financial discipleship and serving as a church treasurer, I can say with confidence that this is one of the most common — and often confusing — concerns Christians face today.

At its simplest, tithing is the biblical practice of giving 10% of your income as an act of obedience and faith. Yet when it comes to modern salaries, tax deductions, bonuses, commissions, and irregular income streams, many believers find themselves uncertain: Should I tithe on gross or net? How do I break it down if I’m paid weekly? Do I include bonuses and overtime?

This complete guide for 2025 was written to eliminate that confusion. You will find:

  • Step-by-step formulas that show exactly how to calculate tithe from salary.
  • Tables with real-world examples for different pay frequencies.
  • Special case guidance for freelancers, commissions, and bonuses.
  • Access to our free tithe calculator tool that instantly does the math for you.

Whether you receive a monthly paycheck, earn irregular income, or want to understand the biblical principles behind gross vs net tithing, this guide will give you clarity, confidence, and a practical roadmap for consistent generosity.

Quick Answer: Basic Tithe Calculation Formula

The simplest way to calculate your tithe from salary is to apply the 10% formula:

"
Tithe Amount = Salary × 10% (0.10)
— Scripture Inspiration —

For example:

  • If your annual salary is $50,000, your tithe would be:
    $50,000 × 0.10 = $5,000 per year.
  • Broken down monthly, that equals $416.67 per month.
  • If you’re paid weekly, that equals $96.15 per week.

This simple formula works for any income amount. Just take your total salary (annual, monthly, weekly, or per paycheck) and multiply it by 0.10.

"
💡 Skip the Math: Instead of crunching numbers yourself, try our Net vs Gross Tithe Calculator. Enter your salary, choose your pay frequency, and see instant results in less than 30 seconds.
— Scripture Inspiration —

Step-by-Step: How to Calculate Tithe from Salary

If you’re new to tithing, here’s the easiest way to make sure your giving is accurate and consistent. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Identify your total income
    • Decide whether you’ll calculate using gross salary (before taxes) or net salary (after taxes).
    • Example: Gross annual salary of $60,000.
  2. Apply the 10% tithe formula
    • Multiply your chosen income figure by 0.10 (10%).
    • Example: $60,000 × 0.10 = $6,000 annual tithe.
  3. Break it down by payment frequency
    • Divide the annual tithe into monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly amounts.
    • Example: $6,000 ÷ 12 = $500/month.
  4. Adjust for bonuses or extra income
    • Add 10% of any bonuses, commissions, or overtime pay.
  5. Set up consistency
    • Use automatic bank transfers or your church’s giving platform to make it a habit.
Annual SalaryMonthly TitheBi-Weekly TitheWeekly Tithe
$30,000$250.00$115.38$57.69
$40,000$333.33$153.85$76.92
$50,000$416.67$192.31$96.15
$60,000$500.00$230.77$115.38
$75,000$625.00$288.46$144.23
$100,000$833.33$384.62$192.31
$150,000$1,250.00$576.92$288.46
"
💡 Pro Tip: Instead of doing these calculations manually every time, use our LDS Calculator Tool to instantly see the correct tithe amount for your exact salary and pay schedule.
— Scripture Inspiration —

Gross vs Net Salary: Which Should You Use?

One of the most common questions Christians ask is:
“Should I tithe on my gross salary (before taxes) or net salary (after taxes)?”

The Bible does not specifically say “gross” or “net,” which means it comes down to conviction, consistency, and church teaching. Here’s how to think about it:

  • Gross Salary (before taxes):
    Many believers choose to tithe on gross income because it represents their full earnings — before government deductions. This is often seen as giving God the “firstfruits.”
  • Net Salary (after taxes):
    Others prefer to tithe on what they actually take home after taxes and deductions, especially if finances are tight.

Neither approach is “wrong.” What matters most is that you choose one method prayerfully and remain consistent in applying it.

ScenarioGross SalaryNet SalaryGross Tithe (10%)Net Tithe (10%)Difference
Single, $50K$50,000$38,000$5,000$3,800$1,200
Married, $75K$75,000$58,500$7,500$5,850$1,650
Family, $100K$100,000$74,000$10,000$7,400$2,600
High earner, $150K$150,000$105,000$15,000$10,500$4,500
"
For deeper guidance, see our article on How Much Are You Supposed to Tithe, which breaks down biblical perspectives on giving.
— Scripture Inspiration —

Real Examples: Tithe Calculations for Different Salaries

Sometimes it’s easier to understand tithing when you see the numbers in action. Below are real-life examples of how much tithe you would give on different salaries, broken down by pay frequency.

  • If you earn $36,000 annually, your tithe would be $3,600/year, or $300/month.
  • At a $60,000 salary, your tithe equals $6,000/year, or $115.38 per week.
  • For a $100,000 salary, your tithe would be $10,000/year, or about $833/month.

This breakdown helps you see exactly what to give whether you’re paid monthly, bi-weekly, weekly, or even want a daily figure.

Annual SalaryMonthly PaymentBi-Weekly PaymentWeekly PaymentDaily (22 days)
$36,000$300$138.46$69.23$13.64
$48,000$400$184.62$92.31$18.18
$60,000$500$230.77$115.38$22.73
$72,000$600$276.92$138.46$27.27
$84,000$700$323.08$161.54$31.82

Special Situations: Bonuses, Commissions, and Irregular Income

Not everyone has a fixed monthly salary. Many believers earn income through bonuses, sales commissions, freelance work, or irregular payments. Here’s how you can calculate your tithe in these situations:

  • Bonuses & Overtime:
    Add 10% of your bonus or overtime pay to your regular tithe.
    Example: If you earn a $2,000 bonus, your tithe is $200.
  • Commission-Based Income:
    Base your tithe on either (a) each commission check as you receive it, or (b) your average annual income.
  • Freelance & Irregular Income:
    For unpredictable earnings, calculate 10% of your total income at year-end or set aside 10% from every payment in a separate account.
  • Salary + Bonus Packages:
    Add your base salary and average bonus together, then apply the 10% formula.

This ensures that no matter how your income is structured, you remain consistent in honoring God with your firstfruits.

Income TypeCalculation MethodExampleAnnual Tithe
Fixed SalaryAnnual salary ÷ 10$60,000 ÷ 10$6,000
Hourly + OvertimeTotal annual earnings ÷ 10$45,000 total ÷ 10$4,500
Commission SalesAverage 3-year income ÷ 10$70,000 avg ÷ 10$7,000
Freelance VariablePrevious year income ÷ 10$55,000 ÷ 10$5,500
Salary + Bonus(Base + average bonus) ÷ 10($50K + $5K) ÷ 10$5,500
"
For deeper understanding, you may also explore Tithe vs Offering, which explains how extra giving fits alongside regular tithes.
— Scripture Inspiration —

Tools and Methods: Making Tithe Calculation Easy

While you can always calculate tithe manually with the 10% formula, there are several simple tools and methods that make the process faster, clearer, and more consistent.

The easiest way is to use a tithe calculator. Simply enter your salary, select gross or net, and choose your pay frequency. In seconds, you’ll know your exact tithe amount without any math errors.

2. Manual Formula Method

If you prefer the traditional approach, apply the formula:
Income × 10% = Tithe.
This works whether you’re using annual salary, monthly pay, or a one-off bonus.

3. Spreadsheet Templates

For families or treasurers, spreadsheets in Excel or Google Sheets are great for tracking income and tithes over time. Once formulas are set, you can quickly update figures each month.

4. Budgeting Apps

Apps like YNAB, Mint, or EveryDollar allow you to create a “Tithes & Giving” category. This ensures your tithe is planned for before spending on other expenses.

5. Automatic Giving Setup

Most churches offer recurring online giving options. Setting up an automatic transfer ensures you stay faithful and consistent, even when life gets busy.

"
💡 Whether you rely on technology, budgeting apps, or the simple 10% formula, the key is consistency. Choose one method that works for you and stick with it faithfully.
— Scripture Inspiration —

Common Mistakes: Tithe Calculation Errors to Avoid

Even with a simple 10% formula, many Christians make small errors that create unnecessary confusion. Here are the most common mistakes to watch out for — and how to correct them.

MistakeWhy It’s a ProblemCorrect Approach
Forgetting about bonuses or overtimeExtra income often goes untithed, leading to inconsistencyApply 10% to all income sources, not just base salary
Switching between gross and net without consistencyLeads to uneven giving and confusion over timeDecide on gross or net and remain consistent
Only calculating annuallyMakes it difficult to stay disciplined during the yearBreak down into monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly payments
Waiting until year-end to estimate titheRisk of under-giving or over-spending before givingSet aside 10% immediately as you receive income
Rounding down too oftenSmall amounts accumulate and reduce faithfulnessRound fairly, or even round up as a discipline of generosity
"
💡 Remember: tithing is less about perfect math and more about faithful stewardship. A consistent method — whether on gross, net, or averaged irregular income — matters more than occasional precision.
— Scripture Inspiration —

Conclusion: Faithful Giving Starts with Simple Calculation

Learning how to calculate tithe from salary doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you earn $30,000 or $300,000 a year, the principle remains the same: give 10% of your income as an act of obedience, trust, and gratitude toward God.

🔑 Quick Recap of Key Steps:

  • Determine your annual salary (gross or net, based on conviction).
  • Multiply by 10% to get your yearly tithe amount.
  • Break it into monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly payments.
  • Include bonuses, commissions, and irregular income.
  • Stay consistent with automation, budgeting, or a tithe calculator.

The numbers are simple, but the impact is eternal. Faithful tithing transforms how we view money — moving from ownership to stewardship.

👉 Ready to start today? Use our free calculator tool to instantly see your tithe based on your salary and pay schedule. In less than 30 seconds, you’ll have complete clarity for your giving.

For deeper biblical context, explore:

💡 Take Action This Week: Calculate your tithe amount, set up an automatic giving plan with your church, and commit to consistent stewardship. Remember, God honors faithful hearts more than perfect math — start where you are, give with joy, and trust Him for the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacred wisdom and spiritual guidance

How do I calculate 10% of my salary for tithing?

Multiply your salary by 0.10. For example, if you earn $50,000 annually, your tithe is $5,000. Divide by 12 for monthly giving ($416.67) or by 52 for weekly giving ($96.15).

Should I calculate my tithe on gross or net salary?

This depends on your conviction and church teaching. Some give on gross (before tax) as 'firstfruits,' while others give on net (after tax). The key is to choose one method prayerfully and stay consistent.

How do I calculate tithe if I get paid weekly?

Take your annual salary, divide by 52, then apply 10%. Example: $52,000 ÷ 52 = $1,000 weekly income. Tithe = $100 each week.

Do I tithe on bonuses and overtime?

Yes, apply 10% to all additional income such as bonuses, commissions, and overtime. Example: $2,000 bonus × 0.10 = $200 tithe.

What if my income varies each month?

For irregular income, tithe 10% of each payment as you receive it, or calculate 10% of your previous year’s total income and give consistently across the new year.

How do I calculate tithe on commission income?

Either tithe 10% on each commission payment as it arrives or average your past year’s commission income to set a consistent tithe amount.

Should I round up or down when calculating tithe?

You may round to the nearest whole number for simplicity. Some believers round up as a way of giving generously and avoiding shortfall.

Do I tithe on my full salary or after taxes?

Both methods are acceptable. Tithing on full (gross) income represents giving God firstfruits, while tithing on net recognizes your take-home pay. Choose the one you can commit to faithfully.

How do I tithe if I’m self-employed or freelance?

Calculate 10% of your total income after business expenses. Many freelancers set aside 10% of every payment in a separate account for tithing.

Can I give my tithe at the end of the year?

While possible, it’s harder to stay disciplined. Most find it easier to give consistently each pay cycle (monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly) so it becomes a faithful habit.

How do LDS members calculate their tithe?

LDS (Mormon) teaching encourages members to pay 10% of their income as tithing, based on personal conviction. This may include gross or net, but the emphasis is on faith and consistency.

What does the Bible say about calculating tithe?

The Bible defines tithe as 10% of increase or income (Leviticus 27:30, Malachi 3:10). While it doesn’t specify gross or net, it stresses faithfulness, generosity, and giving the first portion to God.

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