Work out poverty line estimate instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
A cost-of-basic-needs poverty line starts from the cost of meeting a calorie norm, then grosses that up for non-food essentials — housing, fuel, clothing, health and transport — using the observed non-food share of expenditure at the poverty threshold.
Per person line
Per person = Monthly food cost / (1 - Non-food share %)
Household line
Household line = Per person line x Household size
Indicative estimate only. Fees, entitlements, limits and formulas vary by jurisdiction, statute, policy wording and the facts of the case. This is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice — confirm with a qualified professional or the relevant authority.
Because the non-food share is observed as a proportion of total expenditure among households at the line, so dividing is the correct inversion.
More refined lines use adult-equivalent scales, since children consume less. A simple per-capita line overstates the requirement for households with young children.