Estimate your retirement savings
Educational estimate using monthly compounding at a constant return. Real markets rise and fall, inflation and taxes vary, and no calculator can predict your actual balance. This is not investment advice.
How this retirement calculator works
Retirement saving comes down to three forces working together: the money you start with, the money you add each month, and the years of compound growth in between. This tool models all three the way a financial planner would, then translates your projected nest egg into an estimate of the monthly income it could support.
1. Compound growth on what you already have
Your current balance keeps earning returns every year until you retire — and those returns earn returns of their own. Over decades this compounding often becomes the largest single part of your final balance, which is why starting early matters so much. See how compound interest builds a nest egg.
2. Your monthly contributions
Every dollar you add is invested and compounds from the month you contribute it. The calculator lets you raise your contribution a little each year, which mirrors real life as your pay grows and is one of the most powerful levers on your outcome. Learn how much of your income to save.
3. Turning a nest egg into income
To estimate what your savings could pay you, the calculator applies the well-known 4% rule: withdrawing about 4% of your balance in the first year of retirement. It also shows the figure in today’s dollars so inflation doesn’t flatter the number.
Guides & resources
New to retirement planning? These plain-English guides walk you through it:
- How much do I need to retire? — the rules of thumb, explained.
- How much should I save each month? — targets by age.
- 401(k) vs Roth IRA — which account comes first.
- How compound interest builds wealth — why time beats timing.
- Catch-up contributions — saving more after 50.
- See all guides →
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is a retirement calculator?
It gives a solid projection based on the numbers and return you enter, using the same compounding math the financial industry uses. But it assumes a steady return every year, which never happens in real markets, and it can’t know future inflation, tax law, or your own choices. Treat the result as a planning range, not a promise.
What rate of return should I use?
A diversified stock-heavy portfolio has historically returned roughly 10% a year before inflation, or about 7% after. Many planners use 6–7% to stay conservative. The closer you are to retirement, the lower the return you should assume, since portfolios usually shift toward bonds.
What is the 4% rule?
It’s a guideline suggesting you can withdraw about 4% of your balance in your first year of retirement, then adjust for inflation, with a good chance the money lasts about 30 years. Read our full explanation.
Does the calculator include Social Security?
No. It projects only your personal savings. Social Security, a pension, or other income would come on top of the monthly figure shown here. See how much you need to retire for the bigger picture.
Is my information saved?
No. Everything runs in your browser and nothing you type is sent anywhere or stored. Reload the page and it resets.