Net worth · 5 min read
How to Calculate Net Worth
Calculating net worth is a balance sheet exercise: one list for what you own and one list for what you owe.
By Syvoq Editorial Team · Updated July 12, 2026
Key takeaways
List assets at realistic values
Include cash, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, property equity, vehicles, and valuable items. Use values you could reasonably defend today.
List liabilities in full
Include credit cards, loans, mortgages, unpaid taxes, personal loans, and other balances. Use the current payoff balance where possible.
Separate useful subtotals
Total net worth is useful, but investable net worth can be more useful for financial independence planning because it excludes harder-to-spend assets like a primary home.
Worked example
Including a home correctly
A home worth €240,000 with a €180,000 mortgage adds €60,000 of equity to net worth, not the full property value by itself.
Common mistakes
Mixing estimated future values with current balances.
Ignoring taxes or selling costs for assets that would be expensive to liquidate.
Changing the method every month, which makes the trend less meaningful.
Sources and limitations
Educational content, not individualized financial advice. Confirm material decisions with an official source or regulated professional.