LDS Tithing Calculator
An easy tool to calculate one-tenth of your annual increase.
Enter your income. The definition of “increase” (e.g., gross or net) is a personal decision.
Specify if the income amount entered is for a year, month, or week.
What is an LDS Tithing Calculator?
An LDS Tithing Calculator is a specialized tool designed to help members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints calculate their tithing, which is a contribution of one-tenth of their income. The principle of tithing is a commandment from God, practiced since ancient times, and is a demonstration of faith and gratitude. This calculator simplifies the process by determining 10% of your income based on the amount and pay frequency you provide, whether it’s annually, monthly, or weekly.
The core purpose is to provide a clear, straightforward calculation. While the calculator performs the math, the user decides what constitutes their “increase” or income, a matter left to personal interpretation and prayer. This tool helps in planning and ensuring consistency in fulfilling this important spiritual commitment.
The LDS Tithing Formula and Explanation
The formula for calculating tithing is simple and direct, based on the principle of giving one-tenth. The modern interpretation for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is 10% of one’s annual income.
Tithing = Income × 0.10
This calculation can be applied to any income source, be it salary, business profits, or other gains. The calculator first standardizes your income into an annual figure and then applies the 10% rule.
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income | The total financial gain or increase over a period. | Currency (e.g., USD, EUR) | Any positive number |
| 0.10 (10%) | The fixed portion defined as a tithe. | Percentage | Fixed at 10% |
| Tithing | The final amount to be contributed. | Currency | Calculated based on income |
Practical Tithing Calculation Examples
Example 1: Salaried Employee
An individual earns an annual gross salary of $65,000.
- Input: Income = $65,000
- Input: Period = Annually
- Calculation: $65,000 * 0.10
- Result: The total annual tithing is $6,500. This equals approximately $541.67 per month.
Example 2: Hourly Worker
A person works 40 hours a week for $20 per hour, earning $800 weekly.
- Input: Income = $800
- Input: Period = Weekly
- Calculation: First, find the annual income: $800 * 52 = $41,600. Then, calculate the tithe: $41,600 * 0.10.
- Result: The total annual tithing is $4,160. The weekly tithing amount is $80.
How to Use This LDS Tithing Calculator
Using this calculator is a simple, three-step process:
- Enter Your Income: In the “Your Income” field, type in the numerical value of your income.
- Select the Income Period: Use the dropdown menu to choose whether the income you entered is earned annually, monthly, weekly, or bi-weekly. This ensures the calculation is accurate.
- Click “Calculate Tithing”: The calculator will instantly display your total annual tithing, along with a breakdown of monthly and weekly amounts.
The results can be used for your personal financial planning. You can also see a schedule and a chart to visualize your contributions over the year. For more financial planning, consider using a budget planner tool.
Key Factors That Affect Tithing Calculation
While the calculation is 10%, several personal factors can influence how an individual determines their “increase.”
- Gross vs. Net Income: This is the most common question. Some members pay tithing on their gross income (before taxes and deductions), while others pay on their net or take-home pay. The Church has not given a formal definition, leaving it to the member.
- Business Owners: For those who own a business, “increase” might be interpreted as the net profit after business expenses are paid, but before personal draws.
- Non-cash Income: If income is received in the form of goods or services (in-kind), members determine the fair market value of that income and calculate their tithing on that basis.
- Gifts and Inheritances: Whether to pay tithing on large, one-time monetary gifts or inheritances is a matter of personal prayer and decision.
- Investment Returns: “Increase” from investments, such as capital gains or dividends, is often considered tithable income by members who hold such assets. A return on investment calculator can help manage this.
- Personal Circumstances: Individual financial hardship or unique situations may lead a person to confer with their bishop and the Lord to determine a faithful approach to tithing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is tithing?
Tithing is a commandment from God to give one-tenth of your income to His Church. These funds are used to build His kingdom on earth, including constructing temples and meetinghouses, funding missionary work, and more.
2. Is tithing 10% of gross or net income?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not officially defined “increase” as gross or net income. It is a matter for each member to decide through prayerful consideration.
3. What does the scripture say about tithing?
In Malachi 3:10, the Lord says, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse… and prove me now herewith… if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
4. Do I have to pay tithing?
Tithing is a commandment, and obedience to it brings blessings. It is considered a privilege and a demonstration of faith. A full tithe is required to receive a temple recommend.
5. How do I pay tithing?
Members can pay tithing by filling out a donation slip and giving it to their bishop or one of his counselors. Many regions also offer an online donation system through the Church’s official website.
6. What if I can’t afford to pay tithing?
Paying tithing is an act of faith. Many members who have paid tithing even when their finances were tight have testified of receiving blessings, both temporal and spiritual. If you have concerns, you can discuss them with your bishop.
7. Is my tithing information kept confidential?
Yes, all donation records are kept strictly confidential.
8. Besides tithing, are there other donations?
Yes, members can also contribute to fast offerings, which are used to help the poor and needy locally, as well as to the missionary fund, humanitarian aid, and temple construction funds. You might find a charitable donation calculator useful.