‘Girl Math’: Everything You Need to Know About the Viral TikTok Trend

What is 'Girl math'?

The phrase 'Girl math' first sprung up on TikTok and is gaining popularity online, particularly among those who identify as women, hence the name. Essentially, the term is used to explain and justify more lavish spending habits and to help remove any guilt associated with spending money on things you might not necessarily need for survival, but you desperately want and think will enhance your quality of life. It involves breaking down the price of expensive items and coming up with a reason for buying it.

For example, let's say you've been eyeing a $500 handbag, but the price tag is throwing you off. Enter a little bit of mental gymnastics. Maybe you justify the exorbitant price by estimating the number of times you expect you'll use the handbag; there are 365 days in a year and you'll have the bag for several years, so the bag is free every day. Or maybe you calculate how much of a saving you get if it's discounted. The total price is “basically free"; Girl math.

One TikTok by user @lucywlecher shares her example; “I just returned a skirt, which means I'm $70 richer, which is $70 I never had, so everything I buy with that money is completely free. I love girl math." It's illogical from a financial saving perspective, but we would be lying if we said we hadn't used this kind of justification when purchasing at least once in our lives.

And look, it's maybe not the most responsible way to look at money, but sometimes you've just got to livin' la vida loca and treat yourself. Personally, we don't think you should need to find excuses to buy yourself something nice.

PSA: Please don't spend all of your money on things you don't genuinely want or need!