Are you in the global middle class?

If you live in the West, you are more than likely part of the middle-income bracket or higher by global standards, according to data collected by Pew Research. Based on 2011 numbers, 56% of the world’s population live a low-income existence, with only about 13% making up the global middle class.

Middle class by global standards, however, can be substantially different to how those living in the West see it. Globally, a person living on $10-20 a day would be considered middle income. In 2011, only 16% of the world’s population could say they were living on $20 dollars or more a day.

The study takes into consideration purchasing power, so these dollar figures are made in what is called purchasing power parities, or PPP. This means the exchange rate adjusts so that an identical good in two different countries has the same price.

So where do you stand on the global scale? Use this calculator to find out.

Have you read?
How is wealth distributed around the world?
Who are the 1% The answer might surprise you
Why the wealthy don’t understand inequality

Author: Donald Armbrecht is a freelance writer and social media producer. 

Image: People are seen walking through Roosevelt Field shopping mall in Garden City, New York. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton