Start with the retirement age
The years before retirement determine how long your current savings and future contributions can compound.
Retirement planning calculator
Retirement Calculator
Estimate whether your savings plan is on pace, how much more you may need to save, what monthly retirement income your portfolio could support, and how long a lump sum may last.
Planning view
Need / Save / Withdraw / Last
Built for quick retirement scenarios with visible assumptions.
Core assumptions
Planning assumptions
Results update automatically in your browser. No retirement data is saved or sent to a server.
On track estimate
Retirement gap
$0
Enter assumptions to estimate your retirement plan.
Projected at retirement
$0
Estimated need
$0
Suggested monthly saving
$0
Sustainable monthly income
$0
Formula used
Retirement formula appears here.
Retirement projection snapshot
The chart compares projected savings, estimated need, and the gap from your current assumptions.
Savings
Need
| Checkpoint | Age | Projected savings | Estimated need | Note |
|---|
How to use this retirement calculator
Estimate income needs
The replacement rate estimates how much of your pre-retirement income you want to maintain after leaving work.
Separate portfolio income from other income
Use other retirement income for Social Security, pension, rental income, annuity income, or similar sources.
Stress-test assumptions
Try lower returns, higher inflation, later retirement, or longer life expectancy to see how sensitive the plan is.
What this calculator estimates
This calculator focuses on retirement readiness rather than a single account type. It estimates a future savings balance from current savings, monthly contributions, and assumed investment return. It then compares that balance with a retirement income need adjusted for inflation and other retirement income.
The main retirement need estimate uses a growing withdrawal model. That means the first-year portfolio withdrawal is estimated at retirement, then future withdrawals are assumed to rise with inflation.
Need = PV of inflation-adjusted retirement withdrawals
For saving goals, the calculator solves the monthly contribution needed to reach a target nest egg by retirement. For withdrawal planning, it estimates sustainable monthly income from the projected retirement balance over the expected retirement years.
Practical retirement planning examples
Early saver
A younger worker may not need a large current balance if the contribution rate is steady and time is long enough for compounding to matter.
Catch-up saver
Someone starting later often needs to test higher monthly contributions, later retirement age, lower spending, or additional retirement income.
Near-retirement check
A person within five to ten years of retirement should compare the result with real account balances, estimated benefits, healthcare costs, taxes, and housing plans.
Related financial calculators
- Interest Calculator for compound growth, APY, contributions, taxes, and inflation-adjusted value.
- Payment Calculator for fixed loan payments and payoff schedules that affect retirement cash flow.
- Mortgage Calculator for housing payment estimates before or during retirement.
- House Affordability Calculator for testing home budget and DTI pressure before a major purchase.
Assumptions and limitations
The calculator uses fixed annual return, inflation, and contribution assumptions. Real retirement planning can be affected by taxes, investment fees, market volatility, account withdrawal rules, healthcare costs, insurance, debt, housing changes, and changes in life expectancy.
Other retirement income is entered manually because official benefits and pension amounts depend on personal records and program rules. Use verified statements for serious planning.
Data sources and planning references: This calculator does not pull personal government records or account data. For official benefit and retirement plan context, compare your assumptions with the Social Security retirement estimator, the IRS retirement plans resources, and the Investor.gov compound interest calculator.
Last reviewed: July 2, 2026. Editorial note: This tool is designed for scenario planning. It should make the assumptions visible, not replace professional retirement advice.
FAQ
What percentage of income should I plan for in retirement?
Many quick estimates use a replacement rate such as 70% to 80% of pre-retirement income, but the right number depends on housing, debt, healthcare, taxes, travel, family support, and lifestyle.
Should I enter Social Security as other retirement income?
You can enter an estimated monthly benefit in the other income field, but use an official or carefully verified estimate for important planning.
Why does the calculator use inflation?
Retirement can last decades. Inflation can raise the dollar amount needed to buy the same goods and services, so ignoring it can make a plan look stronger than it is.
Does a surplus mean I can safely retire?
No. A surplus in this tool means your assumptions produce a projected balance above the estimated need. Taxes, fees, healthcare, market returns, and personal risk tolerance still matter.
What if the result says I have a shortfall?
Use the shortfall as a planning signal. Test higher savings, later retirement, lower spending, higher other income, or a more conservative lifestyle plan before making decisions.
Does this calculator include taxes, fees, and required minimum distributions?
No. It does not model account-specific tax rules, investment fees, RMDs, Medicare premiums, Roth versus pre-tax withdrawals, or state taxes. Adjust the return or spending assumptions if you want a more conservative estimate.
Is this the same as a 401(k) calculator?
No. This page estimates overall retirement readiness. Use a 401(k) calculator when the primary question is employee contribution rate, employer match, IRS limit gap, or per-paycheck contribution impact.
What return should I use for retirement planning?
Use a conservative long-term assumption that fits your portfolio and risk level. This calculator does not predict market returns and does not include investment fees unless you lower the return input to reflect them.
This retirement calculator is for general informational purposes and simple planning checks. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or retirement advice. Verify assumptions and decisions with qualified professionals.