Salary negotiation calculator, email template and HR script
This salary negotiation calculator turns a job offer into a clear plan: the counter-offer to ask for, the likely meeting point, and whether the offer clears your walk-away figure. Enter the salary offered, and optionally your current pay, a market range for the role and your target. It shows each figure a year and a month, the increase over your current pay and where the offer sits in the market range.
It then writes a salary negotiation email template and a short call script for the salary negotiation conversation with HR, filled with your numbers and the reasons you choose. The wording comes from fixed templates written for this page — there is no AI and nothing you type is sent anywhere. Edit the text, copy it, and send it in your own words.
How to use the Salary Negotiation Calculator
- Choose the currency and whether you are working per year or per month.
- Enter the salary offered; add your current salary, a market range, your target and a walk-away figure if you have them.
- Set how far above the offer your first counter should be (10% is the default).
- Read the counter-offer, midpoint and checks, and the comparison table.
- Fill in names, pick the reasons and extras to mention, choose a tone, then copy the email or the call script.
Salary Negotiation Calculator features
Counter-offer maths
The higher of your target and the offer plus your cushion, rounded to a clean figure.
Reality checks
Flags a counter far above the market range, an offer below the range, or a counter under your walk-away figure.
Yearly and monthly
Every figure a year and a month, against the offer and against your current pay.
Email and call script
A polite or direct negotiation email and a five-step HR call script with your numbers.
Extras when budgets are fixed
Joining bonus, notice period buy-out, remote days or a later start date.
How the counter-offer is worked out
Counter-offer = the higher of your target and offer × (1 + cushion), rounded up to three significant figures. With an offer of ₹12,00,000, a 10% cushion gives ₹13,20,000; a target of ₹14,00,000 is higher, so the counter is ₹14,00,000. With $87,400 and a 15% cushion the counter is $100,510, rounded up to $101,000.
Likely meeting point = halfway between the offer and your counter (₹13,00,000 in the example). Many negotiations end near the middle, but this is a rule of thumb, not a prediction. Place in the market range = (offer − low) ÷ (high − low): ₹12L in a ₹11–15L range is 25% of the way up, which supports asking for more.
If your counter is more than 5% above the top of the range you entered, the calculator warns you: you will need a competing offer or clear evidence. If the offer is already above the range, it suggests negotiating extras instead.
Salary negotiation with HR: a conversation example
Open with enthusiasm, give one or two reasons, state one number and then pause. For example: “Thank you — I am really keen on this role. Market data for similar analyst roles puts the range at ₹11–15 lakh, so I was hoping for ₹14 lakh.” If HR says the budget is fixed: “I understand. What flexibility is there — could we meet at ₹13 lakh?” If base pay cannot move, ask about a joining bonus, a notice period buy-out or an earlier review, and always ask for the revised offer in writing.
- Give one number, not a range — a range invites the bottom of it.
- Mention your current salary only if it helps you; you do not have to share it.
- Never invent a competing offer.
- Compare in-hand pay, not just CTC, with the CTC calculator or, in the UK, the UK take-home pay calculator.
Salary Negotiation Calculator FAQ
How much should I counter-offer?
A first counter 10–20% above the offer is common, or your researched target if that is higher. The salary negotiation calculator uses the higher of the two and warns you if it is far above the market range.
How do I write a salary negotiation email?
Thank them, restate your interest, give one or two reasons (market data, experience, a competing offer) and ask for one specific figure. Offer a call and ask for the revised offer in writing. The email template on this page does this with your numbers.
What should I say to HR when negotiating salary?
Say you are excited about the role, give your reason and your number, then stop talking. If they cannot move, ask what flexibility there is and suggest the midpoint or extras such as a joining bonus.
What is a walk-away figure?
The lowest offer you would accept. Decide it before negotiating and keep it private; it tells you when to stop.
How do I work out my hike on the new offer?
Divide the offer by your current pay, subtract 1 and multiply by 100 — the calculator shows it, and the salary hike calculator adds in-hand figures.
Is my salary data stored?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser, and these are rules of thumb rather than career or financial advice.