Retirement Calculator
Adjust the inputs below. Results update as you type.
How it works
Retirement planning tools estimate whether savings, contributions, and withdrawal assumptions can support a target lifestyle for a chosen number of years. This page is a projection model, not personalized advice: markets, inflation, longevity, and Social Security rules all move.
Typical inputs include current savings, monthly contributions, expected return before and/or during retirement, years until retirement, and desired withdrawal or spending. Running “years of runway” versus “required nest egg” modes helps you see whether you should save more, retire later, or adjust spending. Conservative return assumptions and a cushion for longevity usually produce more resilient plans than optimistic averages.
Cross-check results with account-type tools (401(k), IRA/Roth) and a paycheck estimate so contribution increases are affordable after tax. Review Social Security estimates separately rather than treating investment returns as a substitute. Revisit the model when income, health costs, or market assumptions change materially.
Input guidance
- Current savings should include investable retirement accounts you will actually use.
- Contribution and return assumptions should be sustainable, not peak-year optimism.
- Withdrawal or spending inputs should reflect essential vs discretionary costs.
The formula
Future savings combine compound growth of your current balance with the future value of ongoing contributions: FV = P·(1+r)^n + PMT·(((1+r)^n − 1)/r), where r is the periodic return and n the number of periods.
Worked example
Starting with $50,000 and adding $500/month for 25 years at a 7% annual return grows to roughly $660,000 — of which about $200,000 is your contributions and the rest is growth.
More examples to test
- Start at age 30 with $0, contribute $500/month at 6.5% for 35 years: compare future value and contribution share.
- Late-start case: start at age 40 with higher monthly contribution to test catch-up feasibility.
How to interpret results
Read results as scenario ranges. If the conservative case fails, adjust savings rate, timeline, or spending before increasing assumed returns.
When this can be inaccurate
Markets, inflation, longevity, fees, and Social Security claiming choices can diverge sharply from steady-growth assumptions.
Change history
- July 2026: Strengthened runway vs nest-egg interpretation and Social Security caveat.
- June 2026: Projection modes quality-reviewed.
Site-wide corrections also appear on the corrections log.
Frequently asked questions
What return rate should I assume?+
A diversified long-term portfolio has historically returned around 6–8% before inflation. Using a conservative figure gives a safer plan; many people model 5–7%.
Does this account for inflation?+
The raw number is in future dollars. To judge buying power, subtract about 2–3% from your return rate to estimate an inflation-adjusted (real) result.
Why start early?+
Compounding rewards time more than amount. Money invested in your 20s has decades to grow, so early contributions often outweigh larger ones made later.
Can I rely on a single expected return?+
No. Run at least a conservative and baseline return. Sequence-of-returns risk near retirement can matter as much as the long-run average.
Guided next steps
Want the full workflow? Use this calculator inside a step-by-step guide.
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