Formula used
How to use the Retirement Calculator
- Enter your current age and the age you plan to stop working.
- Add everything saved for retirement today across all accounts.
- Type your monthly contribution, including employer match.
- Set expected return, inflation and life expectancy.
- Review the projected balance and the monthly income it supports.
About this tool
The Retirement Calculator is built for speed and accuracy: every calculation runs in your browser, so your data never leaves your device and the result updates as you type. It works equally well on a phone, a tablet or a desktop, and it is free to use as many times as you like.
Common use cases
- Checking whether current 401(k) contributions are enough.
- Testing the impact of retiring at 60 instead of 67.
- Adding an employer match to see the boost.
- Translating a target income into a required contribution.
Tips for the best result
- Use the latest figures you have - even a small change in rate or term can shift the outcome by hundreds.
- For annual figures, divide by 12 to get a monthly number you can compare with the result.
- Bookmark this page and revisit the calculation as the inputs change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 4% rule?
It is a widely used guideline: withdraw 4% of the portfolio in the first retirement year and adjust for inflation annually, which historically lasted about 30 years in market studies. It is a starting point, not a guarantee.
Should I use nominal or real returns?
Many planners use a real return (expected return minus inflation) of about 4% - 5% for a balanced stock/bond portfolio. This calculator shows both nominal and inflation-adjusted figures so you can see the difference.
Does it include Social Security or pensions?
No. Add any guaranteed income you expect on top of the withdrawal estimate shown here.