The right death benefit isn't a rule of thumb — it's your own list: income replacement, debts, education, and final expenses, minus what you already have.
Your recommended death benefit
$1,050,000
≈ 14.0× your annual income
Income replacement
$750,000
Debts
$250,000
Education
$80,000
Final expenses
$20,000
How to use this number
This is your target death benefit. If your need is time-bound (a mortgage, young children), a term policy for this amount is the cheapest route. If part of the need is lifelong, consider a smaller permanent policy layered with term. The figure that feels slightly uncomfortable is usually closer to right than the figure that feels easy.