Is maaser kesafim 10% or 20%?

Short answer

The standard is 10% of your net income (maaser). Twenty percent — chomesh — is the higher, praised measure for those who can afford it; the Gemara (Kesubos 50a) treats a fifth as the upper limit. Which measure you take is a personal decision to make with your rav.

The standard: a tenth

Maaser kesafim literally means "a tenth of money." The widely accepted practice is to give 10% of your net income to tzedakah.

Chomesh: a fifth, for those who can

Giving a fifth — 20%, called chomesh — is considered the higher, praiseworthy measure for someone who can afford it. The Gemara (Kesubos 50a) records a fifth as the upper limit praised by Chazal, so that a person does not give away more than is wise.

Whether to give maaser or chomesh, and how to apply it to your own income, is a personal decision. Discuss it with your rav.

Setting your rate in Maaser Tracker

Maaser Tracker lets you set your default rate when you sign up — 10%, 20% chomesh, or a custom percentage — and override it on any single transaction (for example, giving 20% on a specific bonus). The running balance updates automatically.

Sources: Gemara, Kesubos 50a.

This page is general information, not a halachic ruling. For your own situation, ask your rav.

Track your maaser like a bank account

Import your bank or card, tap once per row, and always know your maaser balance. Free — no credit card.

Start tracking free