How to use the calculator

This calculator aims to help you work out how much it costs to raise a family. The results depend on the answers you give to the questions - only you will know this information – it is not passed on to anyone else.

Please answer the questions by choosing the correct response from the drop-down menu or by typing in the amount. Your answer will appear in the blue box. The calculator will automatically work out for you the costs and show them in a table at the bottom of the screen. To change the numbers either type them in again or click the ‘Reset’ button. To store your information please click the ‘Save’ button – this will allow you to continue at a later date.

Are you single or a couple?

single couple

Apart from any partner, how many other adults living as part of your family?

0 1 2 3 4 5

Do you already have children?

yes no

How many children do you have aged 0-1? 0 1 2 3 4 5   How many children do you have aged 2-4? 0 1 2 3 4 5   How many children do you have aged 5-7? 0 1 2 3 4 5   How many children do you have aged 8-10? 0 1 2 3 4 5   How many children do you have aged 11-12? 0 1 2 3 4 5   How many children do you have aged 13-15? 0 1 2 3 4 5   How many children do you have aged 16-18? 0 1 2 3 4 5

Are you expecting or planning to have a baby?

yes no

What is your household income? (£ a year)

£

A household like yours but without children could achieve the same standard of living as your family with an income of:

£ 0

In effect this means having a child is this year costing you this much:

£ 0

When the new baby arrives, you could need this much extra income in the first year to maintain your family's current standard of living:

£ 0

Raising your new child from birth to their 18th birthday could cost you this much each year in today's money if you maintain your family's current standard of living:   age Income needed   0 £   1 £   2 £   3 £   4 £   5 £   6 £   7 £   8 £   9 £   10 £   11 £   12 £   13 £   14 £   15 £   16 £   17 £   TOTAL £