Retirement Calculator

How much will I have at retirement?

This calculator grows your current savings plus your monthly contributions from now until your target retirement age, compounding each month at the return you expect. Then it estimates how much income that nest egg could safely produce, using the well-known 4% rule. It turns an abstract goal into two concrete numbers: what you'll have, and what it might pay you.

The 4% rule, briefly

The 4% rule comes from research suggesting that withdrawing about 4% of your portfolio in the first year of retirement — then adjusting for inflation — has historically lasted roughly 30 years across market ups and downs. So a $1,000,000 balance implies about $40,000 of first-year income. It's a planning rule of thumb, not a guarantee; some retirees use a more cautious 3–3.5%, especially for early or long retirements.

The levers you control

• Start early. Decades of compounding do more than a high contribution late in the game. Time is the most powerful input here.
• Contribute consistently. Automatic monthly investing smooths out market timing and steadily builds the balance.
• Mind fees and taxes. A 1% annual fee can quietly erase a large share of your final balance over decades. Use tax-advantaged accounts where available.

What this can't predict

Real returns aren't a smooth fixed percentage — markets rise and fall, and the order of good and bad years near retirement matters. Inflation also lowers what your future dollars buy. Treat the result as a reasonable projection to steer by, and revisit it as your savings, income, and plans change.

FAQ

Should I use a return before or after inflation?

For a "today's dollars" view, enter a real return (your expected return minus inflation, e.g. ~4%). For a nominal projection, use the full expected return (e.g. ~7%) and remember the future figure buys less than it appears.

Does this include Social Security or a pension?

No — it only projects your invested savings. Add any pension or government benefit on top of the income figure shown.

What is the 4% rule and is it safe?

The 4% rule estimates that withdrawing 4% of your balance in year one, then adjusting for inflation, has historically lasted about 30 years. It's a planning guideline, not a guarantee — for early or long retirements, many people use a more cautious 3 to 3.5% to be safe.

Is this result financial advice?

No. It's an educational projection based on a fixed return you choose, and real markets fluctuate year to year. Use it to steer your planning, revisit it as your situation changes, and consult a professional for personal decisions.

Is the calculator free and private?

Yes — it's free with no sign-up, works on mobile, and runs entirely in your browser, so your savings, age, and contribution figures are never sent to a server or stored anywhere.