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Retirement Calculator
Project your savings at retirement, the income it can support in today's dollars, and whether you are on track for your goal.
How this retirement estimate works
The calculator grows your current savings and monthly contributions at your expected return until your retirement age, then converts the result to today's dollars using your inflation assumption. It applies your withdrawal rate to estimate sustainable annual income.
The 4% rule
The 4% rule comes from historical studies of US stock and bond returns, which found that withdrawing 4% of a portfolio in the first year, then adjusting for inflation, often lasted 30 years. It is a starting point, not a guarantee.
How to use this retirement calculator
Enter your current age, the age you plan to retire, your current savings, your monthly contribution, the annual return you expect before retirement, inflation and a safe withdrawal rate. The calculator projects your savings at retirement, converts the total into today's dollars, estimates the yearly income it could support, and compares that with your income goal to show a surplus or shortfall.
The 4% rule
A common rule of thumb is that withdrawing about 4% of your savings in the first year of retirement, then adjusting that amount for inflation each year, has historically lasted around 30 years in most past market conditions. With $1,000,000 saved, that's about $40,000 in the first year. Many planners now suggest a range of roughly 3% to 4.5% depending on your retirement length, flexibility and other income such as Social Security.
Ways to close a shortfall
Contribute more, especially enough to capture any employer 401(k) match; start earlier; retire a little later, which both adds saving years and shortens the withdrawal period; keep investment fees low; and review your asset allocation. Results are estimates only: real returns and inflation will vary from year to year.
Related guides
401(k) vs. IRA · Roth vs. traditional IRA · Asset allocation by age · How inflation affects your investments · Compound interest calculator
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to retire?
A common rule of thumb is about 25 times the annual income you want from your investments (the inverse of a 4% withdrawal rate), on top of Social Security or pensions.
What if I have a shortfall?
You can save more each month, invest for a few more years, plan for a lower income target or adjust your expected return. Small changes made early have the biggest effect.
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