Tithing is a practice of giving a portion of one's income or produce, traditionally 10%, to religious or charitable causes. It is a principle rooted in many faiths, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and is often seen as an act of worship, gratitude, and stewardship. The concept emphasizes acknowledging that all resources come from a higher power and that a portion should be returned or dedicated to spiritual purposes.
The biblical basis for tithing is often cited from the Old Testament, particularly in passages like Leviticus 27:30-32 and Deuteronomy 14:22-29, which discuss giving a tenth of the land's produce and livestock. In the New Testament, while the specific command for tithing is not reiterated in the same way, principles of generosity, sacrificial giving, and supporting religious workers are emphasized (e.g., Matthew 23:23, 1 Corinthians 9:13-14). The interpretation and application of tithing can vary among different denominations and individuals.
How to Calculate Your Tithe
The standard calculation for tithing is based on a percentage of income. While the traditional percentage is 10%, the exact calculation can depend on what is considered "income" and whether certain expenses are deductible.
This calculator helps you determine your tithe based on your primary income, any additional income sources, and optionally, deductible expenses.
The Formula:
Total Income: This is the sum of your primary income (e.g., salary, wages, business revenue) and any other income sources (e.g., gifts received, interest earned).
Net Income for Tithing: If you choose to deduct certain expenses (like direct business costs necessary for generating income), you subtract these from your Total Income.
Tithe Amount: The calculated tithe is typically 10% of the Net Income for Tithing.
Mathematically, if:
I = Primary Income
O = Other Income
E = Deductible Expenses
T = Tithe Percentage (commonly 0.10 for 10%)
The formula used by this calculator is:
Tithe Amount = (I + O - E) * T
If no expenses are entered, the formula simplifies to:
Tithe Amount = (I + O) * T
Use Cases and Considerations:
Regular Giving: Many individuals use this calculation weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly based on their pay cycle.
Annual Giving: Some prefer to calculate and give their tithe annually based on their total yearly income.
Business Income: For business owners, determining deductible expenses is crucial. Generally, these are costs directly related to generating the income, not personal living expenses.
Gross vs. Net Income: While the traditional understanding often refers to "firstfruits" or gross income, some interpretations allow for deductions. It's important to consult your faith's teachings or leadership for specific guidance.
Non-Monetary Income: If you receive income in kind (e.g., produce from a farm), you would typically calculate the fair market value of that item to determine its tithe.
This calculator provides a tool to assist in the practical aspect of tithing, helping you manage your finances in accordance with your spiritual commitments.
function calculateTithe() {
var incomeInput = document.getElementById("income");
var otherIncomeInput = document.getElementById("otherIncome");
var expensesInput = document.getElementById("expenses");
var resultValueDiv = document.getElementById("result-value");
var income = parseFloat(incomeInput.value);
var otherIncome = parseFloat(otherIncomeInput.value);
var expenses = parseFloat(expensesInput.value);
var tithePercentage = 0.10; // 10%
// Validate inputs
if (isNaN(income) || income < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid positive number for your primary income.");
incomeInput.focus();
return;
}
if (isNaN(otherIncome) || otherIncome < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid positive number for other income.");
otherIncomeInput.focus();
return;
}
// Expenses are optional, so only validate if a value is entered
if (expensesInput.value !== "" && (isNaN(expenses) || expenses < 0)) {
alert("Please enter a valid positive number for deductible expenses.");
expensesInput.focus();
return;
}
// If expenses input is empty, treat it as 0
if (isNaN(expenses)) {
expenses = 0;
}
var totalIncome = income + otherIncome;
var netIncomeForTithing = totalIncome – expenses;
// Ensure net income is not negative after deductions
if (netIncomeForTithing < 0) {
netIncomeForTithing = 0;
}
var titheAmount = netIncomeForTithing * tithePercentage;
// Format the result to two decimal places
resultValueDiv.textContent = "$" + titheAmount.toFixed(2);
}