3x Rent Calculator

Short answer

Multiply the monthly rent by 3 to get the gross monthly income a 3x requirement asks for. Example: $1,500 rent × 3 = $4,500 gross monthly income required. The calculator also checks 2.5x separately, and — only if you check it — the 40x annual-income rule often described in New York City listings.

Last verified: 2026-10-25. This is general information, not legal advice. City ordinances may be stricter and may override state rules. Check the official source for your city and state before acting.

Some landlords and listings describe an income requirement as a multiple of the rent. This calculator does the arithmetic only: it does not decide whether a particular requirement is lawful or applies to your tenancy. Whether a landlord can ask for 3x varies by landlord, lease, and local rules — check the official source for your city and state.

This is general information, not legal advice. City ordinances may be stricter and may override state rules. Check the official source for your city and state before acting.

Check the 3x rent requirement

Formula

3x: required gross monthly income = monthly rent × 3.

2.5x: required gross monthly income = monthly rent × 2.5.

40x (separate, annual): required gross annual income = monthly rent × 40. Do not compare a monthly income figure directly with a 40x annual figure.

Worked example

Rent $1,500, gross monthly income $5,000. Required at 3x: $1,500 × 3 = $4,500 — $5,000 meets it. Required at 2.5x: $1,500 × 2.5 = $3,750 — also met. Separate 40x check: $1,500 × 40 = $60,000 annual income required; $5,000 × 12 = $60,000, so it meets that annual test exactly. The three tests are shown side by side so they are not conflated.

Limitations

This is arithmetic only. It does not say whether a 3x, 2.5x, or 40x requirement is lawful, applies to a particular listing, or is the only criterion a landlord uses.
Gross income is used here, as the multiple is normally stated on gross income. Net (take-home) income would give a different, stricter picture — see the Rent Affordability Calculator.
For any local rule on income requirements, check the official source for your city and state.

Sources

No universal federal 3x rent law is asserted on this page; the multiple is a landlord/listing screening practice, so the lease and local rules govern.
See the companion guide: 3x Rent Rule Explained.
For verified state rent rules, see Rent Rules Explained.

Last verified: 2026-10-25.

Next step: read the 3x rent rule explained, or check what rent fits your income with the Rent Affordability Calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 3x rent rule?

A landlord or listing asks for gross monthly income of at least three times the monthly rent: required income = rent × 3.

Is 40x the same as 3x?

No. 40x is a separate annual-income test often described in New York City listings: required annual income = monthly rent × 40. A 3x test uses monthly income; a 40x test uses annual income.

Does passing 3x guarantee approval?

No. A landlord may apply other criteria, and local rules may affect what can be required. Check the lease and the official source for your city and state.