How much should you tithe? It is one of the most common questions people ask when they start thinking seriously about giving. The answer is not as simple as a single number, but it is not complicated either.
This guide walks through what the Bible says, what most people actually do, and how to find an approach that works for you.
Is ten percent the rule?
Traditionally, a tithe means ten percent. That definition comes directly from the Old Testament, where the Israelites were instructed to give a tenth of their produce and livestock as an act of worship and community support.
But the New Testament does not restate that percentage as a requirement. Instead, it emphasizes generosity, cheerfulness, and proportional giving.
So the better question is not just "how much," but "what is the role of giving in your life?"
For a deeper look at what scripture says, read our guide to tithing in the Bible.
Common approaches people take
1. The ten percent standard
Many people still use ten percent as a benchmark because it is simple, measurable, and rooted in scripture. It gives people a clear target and removes the guesswork.
If you want to see what ten percent looks like for your income, try our tithe calculator.
2. Percentage-based giving
Some choose a lower percentage to start — two percent, five percent, or whatever feels realistic — and increase over time. This is sometimes called "graduated giving" and it works well for people who are new to regular giving or managing tight finances.
3. Intentional giving without a fixed percentage
Others focus more on consistency and generosity rather than a specific number. They give what they can, when they can, and treat it as a regular priority rather than a formula.
There is no single right answer. What matters is that giving is intentional, not accidental.
Gross vs net income
This is one of the most practical questions people ask about tithing.
- •Gross income means before taxes and deductions
- •Net income means after taxes — what actually reaches your bank account
Both approaches are common. The Bible does not specify which to use. Some people feel called to tithe on gross because they want to give from the full amount. Others tithe on net because it reflects what they actually have available.
Most churches encourage people to choose one method and stay consistent with it. Neither approach is wrong.
What matters more than the number
Across both Old and New Testament teaching, a few themes stand out when it comes to giving:
- •Consistency matters — Regular giving builds a habit and a posture of generosity
- •Intent matters — Giving should come from willingness, not guilt or obligation
- •Sacrifice matters — The widow's two coins were praised not for the amount, but for the heart behind it
A smaller, consistent gift can be more meaningful than occasional larger ones. Churches thrive when everyone participates, not when a small group carries the weight.
Starting if you have never tithed
If ten percent feels out of reach right now, that is okay. A realistic approach:
- •Start with a percentage you can maintain — even two or three percent
- •Build the habit first — set up recurring giving so it happens automatically
- •Increase over time if your circumstances allow it
The goal is not to reach a number quickly, but to develop a rhythm that lasts.
Many churches now offer online giving tools that make it easy to set up recurring donations to specific funds. This removes friction and helps people stay consistent without thinking about it each week.
How to calculate your tithe
The formula is simple:
Income × tithe percentage = tithe amount
- •If you earn $1,000 per week at 10%, your tithe is $100 per week
- •If you earn $5,000 per month at 10%, your tithe is $500 per month
- •If you earn $60,000 per year at 5%, your giving would be $3,000 per year
Use our free tithe calculator to work out your number instantly for any income and any percentage.
Final thought
Ten percent is a useful guide, but it is not the only way people practice giving.
What matters most is that giving is intentional, consistent, and aligned with what you believe. Whether you start at two percent or ten percent, the act of giving regularly — and growing in it over time — is what builds a generous life.
If you are ready to put a number to your giving plan, start with the tithe calculator. If you want to understand the biblical roots, read our guide to tithing in the Bible.
Frequently asked questions
How much should you tithe?
Traditionally, a tithe is ten percent of your income. However, the New Testament does not restate this as a fixed requirement. Many people use ten percent as a benchmark, while others start smaller and increase over time. What matters most is that giving is intentional and consistent.
Should you tithe on gross or net income?
Both approaches are common. Gross means before taxes, net means after taxes. The Bible does not specify which to use. Most pastors suggest choosing one method and staying consistent.
What if you cannot afford to tithe ten percent?
Start with whatever percentage you can sustain. The goal is building a habit of intentional giving, not reaching a specific number immediately. Many people increase their percentage over time.
Is tithing required in the New Testament?
The New Testament does not command a specific percentage. Passages like 2 Corinthians 9:7 emphasize giving cheerfully, generously, and according to what you have decided in your heart.