Free net worth calculator that compares your wealth to peers by age. Enter your real assets and liabilities to get your exact net worth, your percentile ranking versus US, UK, Canadian, or Australian households, a retirement readiness score based on the Fidelity salary-multiple benchmark, and personalised recommendations. Data sourced from the Federal Reserve SCF 2023, ONS Wealth and Assets Survey, Statistics Canada, and the Australian ABS.
What Is Net Worth and Why Does It Matter by Age?
Net worth is the single most complete measure of financial health. Unlike income, which only tells you how much you earn, net worth tells you how much you have actually accumulated. It is calculated as total assets minus total liabilities: everything you own minus everything you owe. A 35-year-old earning $120,000 a year who carries $200,000 in student loans and has no retirement savings has a lower net worth than a 35-year-old earning $60,000 who has been investing steadily since age 22.
Comparing net worth by age matters because wealth accumulation is fundamentally time-dependent. The same $100,000 in retirement savings means something very different at age 25 than at age 55. This calculator uses data from four national surveys to show exactly where you stand relative to your age peers — not just in the United States, but in the UK, Canada, and Australia as well.
To calculate your chronological age for use in this calculator, or to find out exactly how many years and months you have had to build wealth, use our Age Calculator.
How to Calculate Your Net Worth
Net worth is straightforward to calculate:
Net Worth = Total Assets − Total Liabilities
Assets are everything you own that has monetary value: checking and savings account balances, retirement accounts (401k, IRA, Roth IRA, RRSP, superannuation, pension), taxable investment and brokerage accounts, the current market value of your home and any other real estate, the current resale value of vehicles, and any other property or valuables. Use current market values, not purchase prices.
Liabilities are everything you owe: your mortgage balance (not the home value — the remaining loan balance), student loans, auto loan balances, credit card balances (not credit limits), personal loans, and any other debt. A common mistake is including the full home value as an asset but forgetting to include the mortgage balance as a liability. Both must be included for an accurate net worth figure.
A negative net worth — where liabilities exceed assets — is common in the 18–34 age group, particularly for those who have taken on student loans or mortgages before building significant savings. It is not a crisis; it is a starting point. The goal is a steady upward trajectory.
Average and Median Net Worth by Age in the United States (2023)
The following data comes from the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances 2023 — the most comprehensive and authoritative source of household wealth data in the United States, conducted every three years. Note that the average (mean) is substantially higher than the median in every age group because a small number of very high-net-worth households pull the average upward. The median is the more meaningful benchmark for most people — it represents the midpoint where half of households have more and half have less.
| Age Group | 25th Percentile | Median (50th) | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | $88 | $10,222 | $33,898 | $184,516 | $112,104 |
| 25–29 | $3,784 | $31,470 | $130,606 | $296,830 | $120,183 |
| 30–34 | $11,016 | $88,631 | $186,140 | $538,750 | $258,075 |
| 35–39 | $16,548 | $138,588 | $389,432 | $864,340 | $501,295 |
| 40–44 | $23,812 | $134,382 | $436,892 | $1,182,580 | $590,710 |
| 45–49 | $47,668 | $213,586 | $680,298 | $1,428,714 | $781,936 |
| 50–54 | $54,414 | $266,140 | $913,012 | $2,576,540 | $1,132,497 |
| 55–59 | $84,977 | $321,074 | $1,137,318 | $2,672,160 | $1,441,987 |
| 60–64 | $80,372 | $392,860 | $1,131,122 | $3,042,280 | $1,675,294 |
| 65–69 | $68,972 | $393,480 | $1,154,552 | $2,961,060 | $1,836,884 |
| 70–74 | $124,757 | $438,700 | $1,234,946 | $2,999,396 | $1,714,085 |
| 75+ | $89,504 | $338,180 | $991,520 | $2,914,188 | $1,629,275 |
Source: Federal Reserve Board, Survey of Consumer Finances 2023. All figures in 2023 USD.
Why the Average Is So Much Higher Than the Median
Across every age group, the average net worth is dramatically higher than the median. For ages 65–69, the median is $393,480 but the average is $1,836,884 — more than four times higher. This gap exists because the distribution of wealth is heavily skewed: a relatively small number of households with extremely high net worth (the top 1% and top 10%) pull the mean upward, while the majority of households cluster near or below the median. This is why the median is the more useful benchmark for the majority of people. If your net worth equals the median for your age group, you are doing better than half of your peers — not better than average.
Are You on Track for Retirement? The Fidelity Salary-Multiple Benchmark
Fidelity Investments, one of the world's largest retirement fund managers, publishes widely-cited benchmarks for retirement savings expressed as multiples of annual salary. While these benchmarks apply specifically to retirement savings rather than total net worth, they provide a practical framework for assessing retirement readiness at any age:
| Age | Savings Target | Example ($80k salary) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 1× annual salary | $80,000 |
| 35 | 2× annual salary | $160,000 |
| 40 | 3× annual salary | $240,000 |
| 45 | 4× annual salary | $320,000 |
| 50 | 6× annual salary | $480,000 |
| 55 | 7× annual salary | $560,000 |
| 60 | 8× annual salary | $640,000 |
| 67 | 10× annual salary | $800,000 |
These assume a 15% savings rate beginning at age 25, a 50/50 stocks-bonds asset allocation near retirement, and retiring at 67. Enter your annual income in the calculator above to see whether your current net worth meets these milestones — and how far ahead or behind you are.
To find out when you can realistically retire based on your savings, see our Retirement Age Calculator.
The Millionaire Next Door Formula
In their landmark 1996 book, researchers Thomas Stanley and William Danko proposed a simple benchmark for expected net worth based on age and income:
Expected Net Worth = Age × Annual Pre-Tax Income ÷ 10
Under this formula, a 40-year-old earning $75,000 per year should have an expected net worth of $300,000. Those with net worth significantly above this figure (called "Prodigious Accumulators of Wealth") tend to live below their means, invest consistently, and avoid lifestyle inflation. Those below this figure are classified as "Under Accumulators of Wealth" — not a condemnation, but a signal to review spending and savings habits. The formula is most applicable for ages 30–65 and annual incomes between $30,000 and $500,000.
Net Worth by Age: International Comparison
Wealth distribution varies significantly between countries due to differences in homeownership rates, pension systems, healthcare costs, and income inequality. Our calculator includes benchmark data for four countries:
United States: Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances 2023. The US median net worth peaks in the 70–74 age group at $438,700. The US system relies heavily on individual retirement savings (401k, IRA) rather than a universal state pension, which creates wider wealth dispersion — the gap between the 25th and 90th percentile is much larger than in countries with stronger social safety nets.
United Kingdom: ONS Wealth and Assets Survey 2020–22. UK median household wealth peaks in the 65–74 age group at approximately £446,000. UK households benefit from property wealth (driven by the London and Southeast property market) and the state pension, but face higher average housing costs relative to income than comparable Commonwealth nations.
Canada: Statistics Canada Survey of Financial Security 2023. Canadian median net worth peaks in the 55–64 age group at approximately C$690,900, driven largely by real estate in major metropolitan areas (Toronto, Vancouver). Canada's RRSP and TFSA tax-advantaged accounts play a similar role to US 401k and IRA accounts.
Australia: ABS Survey of Income and Housing 2021–22. Australian median wealth peaks in the 55–64 bracket at approximately A$828,000. Australia's compulsory superannuation system (currently 11.5% of salary mandated by law) means the typical Australian has significantly higher retirement savings than their US or UK counterpart at the same income level.
If you need to calculate how many years you have worked — for pension eligibility, years-of-service benefits, or employment records — use our Years of Service Calculator.
Why the Average Is Much Higher Than the Median for Every Age Group
In every country and age group, mean (average) net worth is substantially higher than median net worth. This is not a data error — it is a mathematical consequence of wealth concentration. In the US, the top 10% of households hold approximately 67% of total wealth. When a small number of billionaires and multi-millionaires are averaged in with everyone else, the mean rises far above what a typical household experiences. For most practical purposes, the median is the more useful benchmark.
How to Improve Your Net Worth at Any Age
Net worth improves through four mechanisms: increasing income, reducing expenses, paying down debt, and growing investments. These are not equally powerful at all life stages:
In your 20s: The most powerful action is starting to invest early, even small amounts. A $5,000 investment at age 22 grows to approximately $107,000 by age 67 at a 7% average annual return (historical stock market average after inflation). High-interest debt (credit cards, personal loans) should be eliminated first. Student loan debt should be managed, but low-interest student loans are less urgent than building retirement savings.
In your 30s: Focus on increasing your savings rate as income typically grows. Homeownership, if suitable for your location and circumstances, begins building equity. Retirement account contributions should be maximised, especially if your employer offers matching contributions.
In your 40s: Peak earning years for most professionals. Any remaining consumer debt should be eliminated. Investment portfolios should be reviewed for appropriate risk levels. If you have children, college savings (529 plans in the US) can be structured to avoid depleting retirement savings.
In your 50s and 60s: Shift focus toward wealth preservation. Catch-up contributions (available for retirement accounts after age 50 in the US) should be maximised. Social Security claiming strategy (US), state pension timing (UK), CPP/OAS timing (Canada), and superannuation draw-down strategy (Australia) can add meaningfully to retirement income. See our Retirement Age Calculator for optimal timing scenarios.
Your financial age and your biological age do not always align. If financial stress is affecting your health, our Biological Age Calculator can help you understand the broader picture of your wellbeing relative to peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good net worth for my age?
In the US, a net worth at or above the median for your age group means you have more wealth than at least half of your peers. The median for ages 35–39 is $138,588; for ages 50–54 it is $266,140; for ages 65–69 it is $393,480. However, "good" is relative to your income, lifestyle expectations, and retirement goals. The Fidelity benchmark (1× salary at 30, 3× at 40, 6× at 50, 10× at 67) is a more personalised target than a simple age-group comparison.
What is the average net worth of a 40-year-old in the US?
According to the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances 2023, the average net worth for households in the 40–44 age bracket is $590,710. The median — a more representative figure — is $134,382. The large gap between these two numbers reflects extreme wealth concentration at the top of the distribution.
What is considered a high net worth?
The financial services industry defines high net worth (HNW) as investable assets (liquid and semi-liquid assets, excluding primary residence) of $1 million or more. Very high net worth (VHNW) is $5 million or more, and ultra-high net worth (UHNW) is $30 million or more. In terms of total net worth including home equity, reaching $1 million total net worth places you above the 90th percentile in the 35–39 age group and above the 75th percentile by age 50–54.
Is it normal to have a negative net worth?
Yes, particularly in the 18–29 age group. Student loans, auto loans, and early mortgages often exceed the assets accumulated by that age. In the US, the 25th percentile for the under-25 age group is just $88 — meaning 25% of young adults have a net worth below $88, and many have negative net worth. A negative net worth is not a crisis; it is a baseline to build from. The key metric is whether it is improving year over year.
Does net worth include my home?
Yes. Your home's current market value is included as an asset, and your remaining mortgage balance is included as a liability. The net equity (home value minus mortgage balance) is what contributes to your net worth. If your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $280,000 on the mortgage, your home contributes $120,000 to your net worth, not $400,000.
How often should I calculate my net worth?
Most financial planners recommend calculating your net worth once or twice per year — annually at minimum, ideally every six months. This allows you to track progress, identify which assets are growing, which debts are being paid down, and whether you are on trajectory toward your financial goals. Major life events (marriage, divorce, home purchase, inheritance, job change) should trigger an immediate recalculation.
What assets count toward net worth for retirement planning?
For retirement planning specifically, liquid and semi-liquid assets are most relevant: retirement account balances (401k, IRA, RRSP, super), taxable investment accounts, and savings. Home equity is a real asset but cannot easily be converted to income without selling the property or taking a reverse mortgage. The Fidelity salary-multiple benchmarks (1× at 30, 10× at 67) are intended to reflect retirement savings specifically, not total net worth including home equity.
How does net worth differ from income?
Income is the flow of money into your household over a period of time. Net worth is the stock of wealth accumulated over your entire lifetime up to the present. High income does not automatically produce high net worth — a household earning $200,000 per year but spending $210,000 per year builds no net worth at all. Conversely, a household with a modest income that saves and invests consistently over decades can build a substantial net worth. The relationship between income and net worth is largely determined by the savings rate and investment returns over time.