Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Calculator
Estimate your household income as a percentage of the federal poverty level to better understand eligibility ranges for Medicaid, CHIP, ACA marketplace savings, and other programs.
What this federal poverty level calculator tells you
The federal poverty level (FPL) is a benchmark used across the United States to determine who may qualify for health and social assistance programs. This calculator converts your income into an annual amount and compares it with the poverty guideline for your household size and location.
Instead of only asking “am I above or below poverty?”, most programs use a percentage of FPL, such as 100%, 138%, 150%, 200%, or 400% of FPL.
How FPL is calculated
For most households, FPL is based on a base amount for one person plus an additional amount for each extra household member. Alaska and Hawaii use different values because living costs are different from the 48 contiguous states and Washington, DC.
Guideline values used by this tool
| Region | 1-Person Household | Add for Each Additional Person |
|---|---|---|
| 48 Contiguous States + DC | $15,060 | $5,380 |
| Alaska | $18,810 | $6,730 |
| Hawaii | $17,310 | $6,190 |
How to use this calculator
- Select your region guideline.
- Enter your household size.
- Enter your income and choose how often that income amount is received.
- Click Calculate FPL % to see your annualized income, poverty guideline amount, and percentage of FPL.
Why your FPL percentage matters
Your percentage can affect many decisions and benefits:
- Medicaid and CHIP: many states use thresholds near or above 138% FPL for certain groups.
- ACA Marketplace subsidies: premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions are tied to FPL bands.
- Hospital financial assistance: nonprofit hospital charity care often uses FPL multiples.
- Local programs: food, utility, legal aid, and housing services commonly use FPL-based cutoffs.
Example
If a 3-person household in the contiguous U.S. has annual income of $45,000:
- FPL for 3 people = $15,060 + (2 × $5,380) = $25,820
- $45,000 ÷ $25,820 ≈ 174.3%
- That household is at about 174% of FPL
Important notes
Frequently asked questions
Is FPL the same as the poverty threshold?
No. The poverty threshold is mainly used for statistics, while poverty guidelines (FPL) are used for administrative eligibility.
Should I enter gross or net income?
Most health coverage programs begin with gross household income and then apply program-specific rules. If unsure, use your best annual estimate and verify with an enrollment assister.
Do guidelines change every year?
Yes. Federal poverty guidelines are typically updated each year. Recheck whenever you are renewing benefits, changing jobs, or applying for marketplace coverage.