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How to Calculate Life Insurance

What is Life Insurance?

A life insurance calculator estimates how much cover is needed to protect dependants from financial hardship. The standard starting rule is 10–15× annual income.

Formula

Cover = (Annual income × years to replace) + Debts − Liquid assets

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1Cover = (Annual income × years to replace) + Debts − Liquid assets
  2. 2DIME method: Debt + Income (×years) + Mortgage + Education costs
  3. 3Term insurance: fixed period; whole of life: permanent cover
  4. 4Review after major life events

Worked Examples

Input
£50k income, £200k mortgage, 2 dependants
Result
Minimum cover: £200k mortgage + £50k × 20yr = £1.2M

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Life Insurance?

A life insurance calculator estimates how much cover is needed to protect dependants from financial hardship. The standard starting rule is 10–15× annual income

How accurate is the Life Insurance calculator?

The calculator uses the standard published formula for life insurance. Results are accurate to the precision of the inputs you provide. For financial, medical, or legal decisions, always verify with a qualified professional.

What units does the Life Insurance calculator use?

This calculator works with inches. You can enter values in the units shown — the calculator handles all conversions internally.

What formula does the Life Insurance calculator use?

The core formula is: Cover = (Annual income × years to replace) + Debts − Liquid assets. Each step in the calculation is shown so you can verify the result manually.

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