Methodology
Our Money-to-Time Converter uses a transparent mathematical model to convert any price into the real working hours it costs you. Below you will find the exact formula, variable definitions, and an explanation of how inflation adjustments work.
The Core Formula
The time-cost of any purchase is calculated as follows:
Time Cost (hours) = Item Price / True Hourly WageTrue Hourly Wage= Net Annual Income / (Weekly Work Hours × 52)
Net Annual IncomeYour take-home pay after income tax, social contributions, and mandatory deductions
Weekly Work HoursAll hours consumed by work: contracted hours + commute + unpaid overtime + work preparation
Item PriceThe purchase price in your local currency
Inflation Adjustment
For long-term comparisons, we account for purchasing power erosion. The inflation-adjusted wage reveals how your real earning power changes over time:
Real Hourly Wage = Nominal Hourly Wage / (1 + Inflation Rate)^YearsWorked Example
- 1Monthly net income: 3,500 EUR → Annual: 42,000 EUR
- 2Weekly work hours: 40h (including commute: 45h)
- 3True hourly wage: 42,000 / (45 × 52) = 17.95 EUR/h
- 4Item price: 1,199 EUR (e.g. a new smartphone)
- 5Time cost: 1,199 / 17.95 = 66.8 hours ≈ 8.4 full work days
Important Notes
This model follows the methodology from "Your Money or Your Life" by Vicki Robin. It uses net income (not gross) because only after-tax money represents real purchasing power. The weekly hours should include all time consumed by work — not just hours at the desk.