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How to Use the HRA Calculator: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to calculate your HRA exemption in a few steps — enter your salary, HRA, rent, and city, then read the taxable amount.

Published August 28, 20264 min read
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How to use the HRA Calculator in a few steps

The HRA Calculator is designed so a typical calculation takes under a minute. Follow these steps.

Step 1: Enter your basic salary and HRA

Type your basic salary plus D.A. and the HRA component you receive from your employer each month. These are the two inputs that drive the exemption.

Step 2: Enter your rent and city

Add the monthly rent you pay and choose whether your city is metro or non-metro. This determines whether the 50% or 40% cap applies.

Step 3: Read your exemption

The result shows the HRA exemption — the least of actual HRA, rent minus 10% of basic, and the city cap — and the taxable HRA that is added back to your salary.

The results update live as you change any input, so you can test a higher rent or a different city in seconds.

Understanding the exemption

  • The exemption is the least of three amounts, never more
  • Metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai) use the 50% cap; others use 40%
  • The taxable HRA is what remains in your salary for tax computation

What you need to get started

Only your basic plus D.A., the HRA you receive, your monthly rent, and your city type. Everything runs in your browser — nothing to install and no account to create.

Verdict

With the HRA Calculator you can find your exact HRA exemption under the old regime in seconds — free and private.

Free tools to do it now

Frequently asked questions

How long does an HRA calculation take?

Seconds. Results appear the moment you enter your salary, HRA, rent, and city because the calculation runs locally in your browser.

Which cities use the 50% cap?

The metro cities Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai use 50% of basic plus D.A.; all others use 40%.

What browser do I need?

Any current version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

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