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How much life insurance does your family need?

Answer a few questions. See what your family would be short, in dollars.

Cole Caughern in a black cowboy hat and a blue blazerFrom Cole Caughern

Try 10 years, or until your youngest turns 18.

Check this and we won't count the mortgage twice.

College cost per child

$8,300 is the national middle price for a funeral with viewing and burial (2023). It doesn't include the cemetery plot or marker.

The house is covered. Is the family?

Answer the questions and your number lights up here.

What this leaves out

  • Savings and investments.
  • Your spouse's income.
  • Social Security survivor benefits.
  • Taxes.
  • Investment growth.
  • Inflation.
How we got this number

We add up the income your family would need for the years you picked, your mortgage (unless your income covers it), other debts, college, and final expenses. Then we subtract the life insurance you have. College costs are national 2025-26 sticker prices from the College Board, before aid. Final expenses use the National Funeral Directors Association's 2023 middle price. The method follows the common DIME approach (debt, income, mortgage, education) and Life Happens' needs guide (lifehappens.org, accessed 2026).