Net Worth Calculator · Practical guide
What Counts as Assets and Liabilities for Net Worth?
A plain-English checklist of what goes on each side of the net worth equation.
At a glance
The Basic Split
An asset is anything you own that has monetary value. A liability is any debt or obligation you owe. Net worth is the difference between the two totals.
Interactive tool
Net Worth Calculator
Enter your own values, then compare the result with the examples below.
Assets
Liabilities
Asset Breakdown
Liability Breakdown
Suggestion
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What Counts as an Asset
- Real estate: your home at current market value, rental properties, land
- Vehicles: cars, boats, motorcycles at current resale value
- Cash accounts: checking, savings, money market, CDs
- Investments: brokerage accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds
- Retirement accounts: 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, pensions
- Other valuables: jewelry, collectibles, business ownership stakes
What Counts as a Liability
- Mortgage balance — the amount still owed, not the original loan
- Car loans, student loans, personal loans
- Credit card balances currently outstanding
- Other debts: medical debt, tax owed, money borrowed from family
The Gray Areas
Your home counts twice: its market value goes on the asset side and the remaining mortgage on the liability side — the difference is your equity. Everyday furniture and clothing are technically assets but usually too hard to value and too depreciated to bother including. Future income, expected inheritances, and the cash value of a degree do not count: they are not things you currently own. Monthly bills like rent or utilities are expenses, not liabilities, unless you owe overdue balances.
Use the calculator above to list each asset and liability on its own row — the tool totals both sides and shows the percentage breakdown automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include my car if it is financed?
Yes — put the car's current market value on the asset side and the remaining loan balance on the liability side. If the loan exceeds the car's value, that gap drags your net worth down, which is accurate.
Does a leased car count as an asset?
No. You do not own a leased vehicle, so it is not an asset, and the remaining lease payments are a contractual expense rather than a balance-sheet liability.
Should I include the cash value of life insurance?
If you hold a whole-life or universal-life policy with a surrender value, that cash value is a legitimate asset. Term life insurance has no cash value and is not included.
Do joint accounts count fully toward my net worth?
For a household net worth, yes. For a strictly personal figure, some people count half of jointly held assets and debts — the calculator lets you enter values however you prefer.