Retirement Savings Calculator
Project your retirement balance and estimate how much annual income it could sustainably provide.
How this projection works
This calculator grows your current retirement savings and monthly contributions at your expected annual return, compounded monthly, all the way to your retirement age — the same mechanics as the Compound Interest Calculator, applied specifically to a retirement timeline. The chart shows the projected balance at every age along the way.
To translate that final balance into something more concrete, it applies the "4% rule": a widely used rule of thumb suggesting that withdrawing about 4% of a retirement portfolio in the first year, then adjusting for inflation each year after, has historically had a good chance of lasting 30 years without running out. It's a simplification, not a guarantee — actual safe withdrawal rates depend on market conditions, how long retirement lasts, and the portfolio's mix of investments.
What this doesn't account for
This tool doesn't model inflation, taxes on withdrawals, employer matching, Social Security or pension income, or sequence-of-returns risk (the danger of a market downturn early in retirement). Treat the output as a rough directional estimate — useful for comparing "what if I contributed $100 more a month" scenarios, not as a substitute for a full retirement plan.
If the projected income falls short of your goal, small changes compound significantly over decades: increasing the monthly contribution, extending the retirement age by a couple of years, or improving the expected return each move the final number meaningfully. Once you have a target monthly contribution in mind, the Monthly Budget Calculator can help you find room for it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 4% rule?
It's a widely cited guideline from retirement research suggesting a retiree can withdraw about 4% of their portfolio in year one of retirement, then increase that dollar amount with inflation each year, with a strong historical chance of the money lasting 30 years. It's a starting point for discussion, not a personal financial plan.
Does this account for inflation?
No — both the growth projection and the 4% rule figure are shown in today's dollars terms without explicitly modeling inflation. Many planners use an inflation-adjusted ("real") return of around 4-7% instead of a nominal return to roughly account for this; try lowering the return input to see a more conservative estimate.
Should I include my employer's 401(k) match in the monthly contribution?
Yes — include your own contribution plus any employer match, since both grow together in your account. If you're not currently capturing the full match, that's usually the highest-return change you can make before adjusting anything else.
How is this different from the Savings Goal calculator?
The Savings Goal Calculator solves for a monthly contribution given a fixed target and date. This tool instead projects forward from a contribution you choose and estimates sustainable retirement income, which is a longer and less certain time horizon.