How this calculator works
Your savings grow monthly until retirement at the return you enter, with your contributions (include any employer match) added each month.
The projected balance is then converted to today’s dollars by removing inflation over the years until you retire.
Retirement income is the level monthly amount the savings can pay until your planning age, at your expected return in retirement minus inflation, so it keeps its buying power.
The 4% rule is shown as a quick check: withdrawing 4% of savings in the first year, then adjusting for inflation, has historically lasted about 30 years in most periods.
Worked example
Age 35, $60,000 saved, $900 a month, retiring at 67
- At 6% a year the balance reaches about $1.4 million at 67.
- In today’s dollars that is about $633,000.
- It could pay about $2,500 a month to age 92, before Social Security.
Questions people ask
How much do I need to retire?
A common rule of thumb is 25 times the yearly spending your savings must cover after Social Security and any pension. The calculator shows whether you are on track.
What return should I assume?
Many planners use 5% to 7% before retirement for a stock-heavy mix and 3% to 5% in retirement. Try lower numbers to see a cautious case.
Should I include Social Security?
Yes, as extra income on top of the figure shown. Your estimated benefit is on your Social Security statement at ssa.gov.
What if I am behind?
Each lever helps: contributing more, working a few years longer, delaying Social Security, and cutting fees. Catch-up contributions are allowed from age 50.
Last reviewed October 2, 2026