Retirement Savings Calculator

See what your savings could grow into by retirement — and the yearly income that nest egg might support — updated live as you type.

📖 How it works & FAQ

Current age

Retirement age

Expected annual return (%)

Current savings ($)

Monthly contribution ($)

How the projection works

The calculator takes the number of years between your current age and retirement age, converts it to months, and grows your money with monthly compounding. Your current savings compound as a lump sum, while each monthly contribution is added at the end of the month and compounds from then on — the standard future-value formula banks and planners use. Everything runs live in your browser as you type; nothing is sent anywhere. These figures are estimates only, not financial, tax, insurance, or legal advice.

What the 4% rule tells you

The 4% rule is a classic retirement rule of thumb: withdraw 4% of your nest egg in the first year of retirement, then adjust for inflation, and a balanced portfolio has historically had a good chance of lasting 30 years. The calculator multiplies your projected balance by 0.04 to show the yearly (and monthly) income that balance might support. It is a planning shortcut, not a guarantee — some advisors prefer 3–3.5% for longer retirements.

How to use it

Enter your current age and the age you plan to retire.
Add what you have saved so far and what you contribute each month.
Set an expected annual return — 6–8% is a common long-run assumption for a stock-heavy mix.
Read the cards: projected balance, what you put in, growth earned, and the 4% rule income.
Nudge the monthly contribution up and down to see how small changes compound over decades.

FAQ

What return should I assume?: Many planners model 6–8% before inflation for diversified stock portfolios and 4–5% for conservative mixes. Try a few values — the honest answer is a range, not a single number.
Does this account for inflation?: No. Results are in future dollars. For an inflation-adjusted view, use a "real" return: expected return minus roughly 2–3% inflation.
Are taxes or fees included?: No. Account type (401(k), Roth IRA, taxable) and fund fees change your real outcome, so treat the projection as a gross estimate.
Is the 4% rule guaranteed?: No — it is based on historical U.S. market data and a 30-year horizon. Market sequence, longevity, and spending flexibility all matter.