Free calculator · Updated Sep 18, 2026
Federal Poverty Level Calculator
Use our free Federal Poverty Level Calculator to estimate your household's poverty level in about a minute. See the official formula and math.
- Free, no sign-up
- Official formula
- 5 quick questions
Your estimate will appear here
Fill in the form and select Calculate. We use the official formula and verified figures.
- Official formula
- Source-linked figures
- Every step shown
How this calculator works
This calculator shows how your household income compares with the federal poverty guidelines. Many programs set their income limits as a percentage of these guidelines. For 2026, the guideline for the 48 states and DC is $15,960 a year for 1 person and $33,000 for 4. Alaska and Hawaii are higher.
It will ask for your state, the number of people in your household, your household income before tax, the time period that income covers, and the guideline year.
Your result is an estimate, not a decision. Only the agency that runs each program can decide if you qualify.
This is an estimate for information only, not a decision. Only the agency that runs the program can tell you what you will get.