Estimate how much you need to retire, the monthly savings required, sustainable retirement withdrawals, or how long an existing nest egg may last.
Calculator
Retirement Plan
Review the target, projected balance, income estimate, and year-by-year outlook.
Retirement Comparison
Calculation Details
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|
Annual Projection
| Age / year | Contributions or withdrawals | Growth | Ending balance |
|---|
Four retirement planning questions
This calculator separates retirement planning into four useful questions: the nest egg needed to support an income goal, the monthly savings required to reach a target, the inflation-adjusted withdrawal supported by projected savings, and how long an existing balance may last. Use the mode that matches the decision you are making.
Have defined-benefit plan quotes instead of a savings target? The pension payout calculator compares a lump sum with monthly payments, survivor benefits and two retirement ages. Those comparisons use separate payment-timing assumptions rather than this savings-growth model.
For minimum lifetime withdrawals from an eligible own-account retirement balance, use the RMD calculator and IRS factor table. A retirement spending target does not replace the separate required-minimum-distribution calculation.
To compare accumulation under different tax assumptions, the Traditional vs Roth IRA calculator models an equal pre-tax savings budget alongside taxable savings. It does not determine contribution eligibility or replace a withdrawal plan.
How much money do you need to retire?
The first mode projects current income to retirement, applies the replacement percentage you enter, subtracts Social Security, pension, or other monthly income, and estimates the savings needed to fund the remaining gap through life expectancy. It then compares that target with the future value of current savings and contributions.
retirement income gap = desired annual income - annual Social Security, pension, and other income
savings gap = required nest egg - projected savings at retirement
Monthly retirement savings goal
The savings mode solves for the level monthly contribution that could grow current savings to a chosen retirement target. It also compares the required amount with what you already contribute. Returns are compounded monthly and held constant for the projection.
Retirement withdrawals and longevity
The withdrawal mode first projects contributions until retirement, then calculates a starting monthly withdrawal that increases with the inflation assumption and draws the balance toward zero at life expectancy. The longevity mode runs the reverse test: it applies an entered withdrawal, raises it annually, and estimates when the balance is depleted.
Social Security estimates
Enter Social Security as an outside monthly estimate rather than asking this calculator to infer it from one salary. The Social Security Administration provides personalized estimates based on your earnings record and lets you compare claiming ages. The SSA also notes that benefit estimates can change with earnings and the age you claim.
Inflation and investment return
Inflation increases the future dollar amount needed to maintain purchasing power. Investment return grows savings but is not guaranteed. The Investor.gov compound interest calculator likewise treats contribution, time, return, and compounding assumptions as inputs rather than predictions. Test conservative and optimistic scenarios instead of relying on one result.
Important limitations
Results are educational estimates, not financial, tax, or investment advice. The model does not include taxes, investment fees, market volatility, required minimum distributions, contribution limits, health-care or long-term-care shocks, changes in benefits, or account-specific withdrawal rules. A constant return is especially unrealistic year to year; poor returns early in retirement can reduce sustainability even when the long-run average is unchanged.
Frequently asked questions
Should I enter Social Security in today's dollars?
Yes. In the first mode, other retirement income is entered in today's dollars and grows with the same inflation assumption as the retirement spending target.
Does the 4% rule guarantee that money will last?
No. It is a planning guideline, not a guarantee. This calculator instead uses your return, inflation, and time horizon to create a deterministic projection.
Why does a small return change have a large effect?
Long time horizons compound differences in assumed returns. Compare several scenarios and pay attention to fees and inflation.
Where can I estimate Social Security?
Use your official SSA earnings record and benefit estimator for a personalized amount, then enter that monthly estimate here.