Global Income Percentile Calculator

Compare your salary to the world with PPP-adjusted World Bank data and see how you rank in both global and US income percentiles.

Show this tool on your website

Enable Smart Defaults

Get personalized default values based on your location, age, and income. All data is stored locally on your device.

  • Auto-fill calculator fields with realistic values
  • Region-specific tax rates and costs
  • Age and income-appropriate suggestions
  • Learn from your calculator usage

Privacy: No data is sent to our servers. Everything stays on your device.

Compare Against

Enter Your Information

Based on World Bank Poverty & Inequality Platform (2021 PPP base) plus International Comparison Program price-level data

Add a state to unlock state-level percentile insights.

01,000,000
110
010

Understanding Global Income

What is Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)?

PPP adjusts income for cost of living differences between countries. $50,000 in the US buys different amounts in India vs. Switzerland. PPP conversion allows fair global comparisons by measuring what your income can actually buy.

Household Equivalization

We adjust for household size using the OECD-modified scale. A family of four doesn't need 4x the income of a single person to maintain the same standard of living, due to shared costs.

Global Income Inequality

The global median income is around $7,700/year. Half of humanity lives on less than this. The top 10% globally earn more than $28,500/year, while the top 1% earn over $58,600/year in PPP-adjusted terms.

Important Limitations

  • This compares income, not wealth or assets
  • Does not account for access to public services (healthcare, education)
  • Quality of life involves many non-monetary factors
  • Data is from 2021 base year and represents estimates
  • Local context and costs matter significantly

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Global Income Percentile Calculator

Global income percentiles are calculated using Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) adjustments to account for cost-of-living differences across countries. Your income is converted to international dollars and compared against World Bank income distribution data covering 7.8 billion people worldwide.

💡 Emergency Fund Guidelines & Sources

Recommended Savings: 3-6 Months of Expenses

Financial experts recommend saving 3-6 months of essential expenses as an emergency fund. Those with variable income or single-income households should aim for 6-12 months.
→ Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

Americans Struggle with Emergency Savings:

According to Federal Reserve data, 40% of Americans would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense using cash or savings.
→ Source: Federal Reserve - Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households (2023 Report)

Job Loss Duration:

The median time to find new employment ranges from 8-20 weeks, varying by industry, location, and economic conditions.
→ Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - Unemployed Persons by Duration

High-Yield Savings Accounts:

As of 2024-2025, high-yield savings accounts (HYSA) offer approximately 4.0-4.5% APY, significantly higher than traditional savings accounts (~0.01-0.5%).
→ Source: FDIC - National Rates and Rate Caps

Tip: Keep emergency funds in liquid, FDIC-insured savings accounts for easy access. Don't invest emergency funds in stocks or bonds.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This Global Income Percentile Calculator provides estimates for educational and informational purposes only. Actual results may vary significantly based on individual circumstances, market conditions, regulatory changes, and other factors beyond the scope of this calculator.

The calculations and projections provided are based on assumptions and historical data that may not reflect future performance.Past performance does not guarantee future results.

This tool is not financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or investment advice. For personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult with qualified professionals including:

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for tax matters
  • Licensed attorney for legal matters
  • Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) for investment decisions

Data Accuracy: All data sources, statistics, and rates were verified as accurate as of October 2025. Tax rates, market conditions, and other financial data change over time. Always verify current rates and consult official sources.

No Warranties: While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Use this tool at your own risk.