Human Life Value Calculator
Estimate the life cover needed to replace your future income for dependants.
Estimate only — a simplified, undiscounted guide to cover, not financial advice.
- Annual net income
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- Earning years left
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What is Human Life Value?
Human Life Value (HLV) is one way to size life insurance: it estimates the economic value of your future earnings to your dependants. The idea is that your cover should be enough to replace the income your family would lose if you were no longer there.
How this estimate works
This is a simplified, undiscounted estimate: HLV = (Annual income − Annual
personal expenses) × (Retirement age − Current age). It sums your net future earnings without
adjusting for inflation or the time value of money, so it is a starting point rather than a precise figure.
How to use the Human Life Value Calculator
- Enter your annual income. Type your yearly income before your own expenses.
- Enter your annual personal expenses. Type what you spend on yourself each year.
- Enter current and retirement age. These set the number of earning years remaining.
- Read your estimate. See the recommended life cover update instantly.
Frequently asked questions
Why subtract personal expenses?
HLV measures the income your dependants would lose, so it uses income net of what you spend on yourself — the portion that actually supports your family.
Is this figure discounted for inflation?
No. This is a simple undiscounted sum of future net income. A full HLV analysis would discount future earnings to present value, giving a somewhat lower figure.
How is HLV different from the needs method?
HLV values your future income, while the needs method adds up liabilities and goals. Many advisers look at both and take a considered view.
Does this calculator store my data?
No. The estimate runs entirely in your browser; nothing you enter is sent to or stored on a server.