Free tool
Raise calculator: how much to ask for
Updated November 5, 2026. Runs entirely in your browser; nothing you type is sent anywhere.
Enter your salary and how long it's been since your last raise. You'll get a specific number to ask for, the math behind it, and one sentence to open the conversation.
How to use the number
- Bring two or three concrete results from the past year, with numbers where you can.
- Ask for a meeting about compensation in advance, rather than surprising your manager.
- Say the figure once, give your reason, then pause and let them respond.
- If base pay can't move now, ask for a written review date, a title change, or a one-time bonus.
What to say when they push back
"There's no budget," "Not this cycle," and "Let me check with HR" are where most raise talks stall. The Raise Kit has word-for-word replies for each of those, a one-page case builder, and Call Mode, a full-screen companion that shows your next line during the meeting. It's a one-time $29, with a 14-day refund policy.
How much of a raise should I ask for?
Start from two numbers: what keeps your pay even with prices since your last raise, and what the market pays for your role now. Ask for a specific figure at or a little above the higher of the two, and tie it to results you delivered.
Where do I find the inflation rate?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes the Consumer Price Index (CPI) every month at bls.gov/cpi. Use the 12-month change, or the change since your last raise date.
What if my manager says there's no budget?
Ask what it would take and when budgets are set, then ask to put a review date in writing. A clear 'not yet, here's when' is a useful outcome.
Guidance only, not legal, financial, or tax advice. The calculator does simple arithmetic on the numbers you enter.