Net Worth Calculator

Average net worth by age in Australia

Wondering how your net worth compares? The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) surveys household wealth periodically. The figures below are approximate median estimates based on recent data and should be used as a rough guide only — not a definitive benchmark, as personal circumstances vary enormously.

Source: ABS Survey of Income and Housing. Figures represent approximate median household net worth and will vary based on location, property ownership, and family structure. These are not targets — they are reference points.

Remember: median figures can be skewed significantly by property values, especially in Sydney and Melbourne. A renter in their 40s might have a very different net worth to a homeowner the same age, and that's perfectly normal. What matters most is whether your number is trending in the right direction.

6 ways to grow your net worth

Net worth grows through two levers: increasing your assets and reducing your liabilities. Here are practical strategies for both.

Build an emergency fund first

Before aggressively paying down debt or investing, have 3–6 months of expenses in a high-interest savings account. This prevents you from going deeper into debt when unexpected costs arise.

Invest consistently over time

Regular contributions to a diversified portfolio — even small amounts — compound dramatically over decades. Superannuation is one of the most tax-effective vehicles for Australians.

Pay down high-interest debt first

Credit card debt at 20%+ interest is a guaranteed drag on net worth. Prioritise eliminating it before making additional mortgage repayments or investing in shares.

Track your net worth regularly

Review your net worth every 6–12 months. Seeing the number move — even slowly — is one of the most motivating things you can do for your financial discipline.

Don't over-rely on property

For many Australians, home equity is most of their net worth. That's fine, but illiquid assets don't pay the bills in retirement. Diversify with liquid investments over time.

Set a net worth target

A common rule of thumb for retirement readiness is 25x your annual expenses saved (the "4% rule"). Use that as a long-term north star while focusing on year-over-year improvement.

Understanding your debt-to-assets ratio

The debt-to-assets ratio (also called the debt ratio) tells you what percentage of your total assets are funded by debt. It's calculated as:

A high debt-to-assets ratio isn't automatically a problem — a 30-year-old with a mortgage and strong income growth trajectory is in a very different position to someone nearing retirement with the same ratio. Context always matters.

Frequently asked questions

Should I include superannuation in my net worth?

Yes, you can include your superannuation balance in your net worth calculation — it is an asset you own. However, because super is generally inaccessible until preservation age (currently 60 in Australia), some people prefer to calculate two figures: one with super and one without. Both are valid. If you're calculating net worth for retirement planning purposes, include it. If you're assessing your day-to-day financial flexibility, it's worth noting separately.

Should I include personal possessions like furniture or jewellery?

For most people, everyday household possessions (furniture, appliances, clothing) are not worth including — the effort to value them outweighs the benefit, and they depreciate quickly. However, items of genuine resale value — fine jewellery, art, collectibles, musical instruments, or business equipment — are worth including if you can estimate their current market value with reasonable accuracy. The general rule: if you could realistically sell it for a significant sum, include it.

Is negative net worth a problem?

Not necessarily. A negative net worth is extremely common among younger Australians, particularly those who have recently taken out a mortgage, have student debt, or are early in their careers. What matters more than the current number is the direction — is your net worth improving year on year? A first-home buyer who just took out a $600,000 mortgage on a $650,000 property has a very modest net worth today, but if they hold the property and continue paying it down, their position should improve significantly over time.

What's the difference between net worth and net income?

Net income (or net salary) is the amount you take home after tax each pay cycle — it's a flow of money over time. Net worth is a snapshot of accumulated wealth at a single point in time. You can have a high net income and low net worth (if you spend everything you earn), or a modest income and substantial net worth (if you've saved and invested consistently over many years). Net worth is the better long-term indicator of financial health.

How often should I calculate my net worth?

Most financial advisers recommend calculating your net worth at least once a year — the same time each year, so you're comparing apples to apples. Many people find it useful to track it every six months. Doing it more frequently than quarterly is generally unnecessary and can cause anxiety due to short-term market fluctuations in investment values. Pick a date (e.g., your birthday, or the start of the financial year) and stick to it.

Does HECS debt count as a liability?

Technically yes — HECS-HELP is a debt you owe to the government and should be included as a liability for accuracy. However, because it's only repaid above an income threshold, has no interest (just CPI indexation), and doesn't appear on your credit file, many Australians treat it differently to other debts. Including it gives you the most accurate net worth figure. If you're assessing borrowing capacity (e.g., for a mortgage), lenders will factor your HECS repayments into their serviceability assessment.