Retirement Calculator: See If You're On Track
This retirement calculator estimates how much you'll have saved by your target retirement age and whether that money will last. Enter your age, current savings, monthly contribution, and expected return in the calculator above to see your projected nest egg. It also shows your balance in today's dollars, so inflation doesn't fool you. For example, a 35-year-old saving $500 a month could reach about $1,097,072 by age 67.
Retirement calculators
How it works
The retirement calculator works in two stages: it grows your savings until retirement, then estimates how much you can safely withdraw each year. During the saving years, it compounds your current balance plus monthly contributions at a fixed annual return you choose. In our example saver's case (age 35, $50,000 saved, $500/month, 7% return), the balance grows to $1,097,072 by age 67. The striking part is the source of that money: your $50,000 starting balance plus $192,000 of new contributions add up to $242,000 you put in. Compound growth adds the other $855,072, so time does the heavy lifting.
For spending, the calculator applies the 4% rule. It withdraws 4% of your balance in year one, which is $43,883 (about $3,657 per month) for our example. At that rate, the savings last through age 95. The 4% rule is a planning guideline, not a guarantee. To go deeper, try our retirement savings calculator, or model your workplace plan with the 401k calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much will I have when I retire?
It depends on your savings, contributions, return, and time. The retirement calculator above projects your total. In our example, a 35-year-old saving $500 a month at a 7% return reaches $1,097,072 by age 67, which is about $426,034 in today's dollars.
How much of my retirement balance comes from compound growth?
Most of it, if you start early. In our example, you start with $50,000 and add $192,000 in contributions, for $242,000 of your own money. Investment growth adds $855,072 more, reaching $1,097,072. Compounding does far more work than your contributions alone.
Will my retirement savings last?
Often yes, if you withdraw at a careful rate. The calculator uses the 4% rule, taking 4% in year one. In our example that is $43,883, about $3,657 a month, and the savings last through age 95. The 4% rule is a guideline, not a guarantee.
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule is a guideline that says you can withdraw about 4% of your savings in your first year of retirement. It is an assumption built into this calculator, not a promise. Market returns, inflation, and how long you live can all change the outcome.
When do I have to start withdrawing from my retirement accounts?
Age 73 for most accounts. The IRS requires minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s starting at age 73. Roth IRAs are exempt while you are alive. Use our RMD calculator to estimate your required amount.
What if I withdraw from my 401(k) early?
Early 401(k) withdrawals before age 59½ usually trigger a 10% IRS penalty plus income tax. This shrinks your retirement balance and its future growth. Estimate the cost first with our 401k early withdrawal calculator.