How to use this calculator
- Enter or choose family support.
- Enter or choose part-time job income.
- Enter or choose scholarship, loan or aid (monthly).
- Enter or choose rent and utilities.
- Enter or choose food and groceries.
- The monthly surplus (negative = shortfall) updates as you type. Use Copy result or Share to keep it.
Method
Surplus = Σ income − Σ costs; Share spent = Σ costs ÷ Σ income × 100
- Σ income
- family support + job + aid per month
- Σ costs
- rent, food, transport, books, phone and other spending per month
Worked example
- Income = 600 + 400 + 300 = 1,300.
- Costs = 550 + 250 + 60 + 40 + 30 + 120 = 1,050.
- Surplus = 1,300 − 1,050 = 250; share spent = 1,050 ÷ 1,300 = 80.77%.
This budget leaves 250 a month (3,000 a year) after spending 80.77% of income.
What the result means
A shortfall means savings or loans are covering the gap. Rent is usually the largest line; the chart shows which costs to look at first.
Assumptions and limits
- All amounts are monthly averages; convert term-time or one-off costs to a monthly figure.
- One-off costs such as deposits, laptops or travel home are not included unless you spread them across months.
Questions
How do I handle costs paid once a term?
Divide the term cost by the number of months it covers and add it under the matching line.
Should loan money count as income?
Include it if it pays living costs, but remember it must be repaid; the scholarship gap calculator helps plan the whole year.
Please note: This calculator gives estimates for planning. It is not financial advice, and lenders’ actual terms, fees and rounding may differ.