How to calculate a raise
A raise sounds different depending on how it's described. "Five percent" or "$3,000 more" are hard to feel until you see what changes in each paycheck. This calculator shows the new salary and the increase over every common period.
- By percentage: new salary = current × (1 + raise % ÷ 100)
- By amount: new salary = current + raise amount
- By new salary: raise % = (new − current) ÷ current × 100
Example: Lee earns $58,000 and is offered a 6% raise. The increase is $3,480 a year — $290 a month, $133.85 per biweekly paycheck, or $66.92 a week. New salary: $61,480.
Raises and inflation
If prices rise 3% in a year and your raise is 3%, your purchasing power stays about the same. A raise above inflation is a real increase; below it, you're effectively earning less. Keep this in mind when negotiating.
Negotiation tips
- Research typical pay for your role and location.
- Frame your request in terms of value you've delivered.
- Consider the full package — bonus, retirement matching, paid time off.
Comparing a raise with a new job offer? The salary comparison calculator puts both side by side. To see the effect on take-home pay, try the paycheck calculator.