100 envelope challenge
Last updated: 12 August 2026
The 100 envelope challenge is a money saving game: number 100 envelopes from 1 to 100, draw one at random on each saving day, and put in the amount written on it. Fill all 100 and you will have saved 5,050. Below are the rules, a full envelope tracking chart, how long the challenge takes, easier variations, and a free app that tracks every envelope for you.
How the challenge works
Number 100 envelopes
Write 1 through 100 on the envelopes. Each number is the amount that goes inside, so the whole set adds up to 5,050 in any currency.
Draw one at random
On each saving day, pull an envelope without looking and put in the amount on it. Random draws mix small and large deposits so no stretch feels impossible.
Choose your pace
One envelope a day finishes in 100 days. Two a week takes about a year. Pick a pace that fits your income rather than the fastest one.
Never fill an envelope twice
Cross each number off a chart as soon as you fill it. If a drawn amount is too much this week, put it back and draw again — just don't skip saving.
100 envelope challenge chart
Use this tracking chart to cross off each envelope as you fill it. Every row of ten adds up to a little more than the one before; the full grid totals 5,050.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 |
| 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 |
| 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 |
| 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 |
| 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 |
| 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 |
| 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 |
| 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100 |
How long does it take?
| Pace | Finishes in | Average per week |
|---|---|---|
| 1 envelope a day | 100 days | ≈ 353 |
| 4 envelopes a week | 25 weeks | ≈ 202 |
| 2 envelopes a week | 50 weeks | ≈ 101 |
Halfway through (envelopes 1–50 filled in order) you would have 1,275; the remaining 50 envelopes hold the other 3,775. Random draws spread that out more evenly.
Easier variations
Half envelope challenge
Use 0.50 steps (0.50, 1, 1.50 … 50) for a 2,525 total — the same game at half the cost.
50 envelope challenge
Use envelopes 1 to 50 for a 1,275 total. A good first attempt before the full 100.
Couples challenge
Split the 100 envelopes between two people. Each fills 50 and you finish together at 5,050.
Digital envelopes
Skip the cash: transfer each amount to a savings goal and log it in an app instead of stuffing paper envelopes.
Track your envelopes in SaveQuest
Paper envelopes get lost and cash is easy to borrow back. In SaveQuest you create a "100 envelope challenge" goal with a 5,050 target, log each envelope as a saving, and watch the running total grow. Every saving day extends your streak and earns XP, and you can invite friends to race you to the last envelope.
Want a slower, year-long plan? Try the 52 week savings challenge or a no spend challenge.
Common questions
How much do you save with the 100 envelope challenge?
Adding 1 through 100 gives 5,050 in your chosen currency. The half version saves 2,525.
Do I need real envelopes?
No. Many people keep a printed chart and transfer each amount to a savings account or log it in an app.
What if I draw an amount I can't afford?
Put it back and draw again, or fill a smaller envelope that day. Keeping the habit matters more than the order.
Important note
SaveQuest is a self-directed tracking and motivation tool, not a bank or financial advisor. For personalised advice, speak to a qualified professional.
These policies are published in English. If you have a question in another language, email support@savequest.app.