How much life insurance do you need?

How the calculation works

This calculator uses the DIME method — a simple, widely used framework that adds up four things your life insurance should cover:

• D — Debt: credit cards, loans, and other debts your family would inherit.
• I — Income: your annual income multiplied by the number of years your family relies on it.
• M — Mortgage: the remaining balance so your family can keep the home.
• E — Education: future costs like your children's college.

We then subtract savings and any coverage you already have. It's a starting point — your ideal amount may vary, and comparing real quotes is the best next step.