Finance · Retirement

Retirement Calculator

Project how big your nest egg will grow, how much annual income it can safely support, and whether you're on track. Drag the sliders and every number updates instantly — no submit button, no sign-up.

Current age 35

Retirement age 65

Current savings $50,000

Monthly contribution $800

Expected annual return 7.0%

Desired income /yr ($)

Withdrawal rate (%)

Projected nest egg at retirement

—

Total contributions —

Investment growth —

Sustainable income /yr

—

Monthly income

—

Target for desired income

—

Surplus / shortfall

—

Contributions vs investment growth

How much do you need to retire?

Flat illustration of a nest holding a large golden nest egg beside stacked coins and a small upward-trending arrow — representing retirement savings growing over time. — Your nest egg grows from two sources: what you contribute, and the compounding on top of it.

A retirement calculator answers two questions: how large your savings will grow by the time you retire, and how much annual income that pot can safely produce. It combines your current savings, ongoing contributions, expected investment return, and a safe withdrawal rate.

The 4% rule

The most common guideline is the 4% rule, which suggests you can withdraw about 4% of your portfolio in the first year of retirement and adjust for inflation thereafter, with a high chance the money lasts 30 years. Under this rule, you need roughly 25 times your desired annual income invested. Lower the withdrawal rate for a longer or more conservative retirement.

Tip: Time in the market matters more than timing it. Starting ten years earlier can double your nest egg thanks to compounding, even with the same monthly contribution.

Closing a shortfall

If the projection shows a gap, you have three main levers: save more each month, work a few years longer, or adjust your target income. Small increases in your contribution rate, applied consistently, have an outsized effect over decades.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I save for retirement?

A common rule of thumb is to save 15% of gross income, including any employer match. The exact amount depends on your target retirement age, desired lifestyle, and current savings. This calculator lets you test different contribution levels against your goal.

What is a safe withdrawal rate?

The classic 4% rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your portfolio in year one, then adjusting for inflation. Some planners use 3.5% to be more conservative, especially for early or long retirements. A lower rate requires a larger nest egg.

What return rate should I assume?

A diversified stock-heavy portfolio has historically returned about 7% per year after inflation, though future returns are uncertain. Conservative planners use 5–6%. As you approach retirement and shift toward bonds, expected returns typically decline.

Does this account for Social Security?

No. This projection covers only your personal savings. Social Security and any pensions provide additional income, which means your savings may not need to cover your full desired income on their own.

Should I include inflation?

Use an inflation-adjusted (real) return — around 7% for stocks — and enter your desired income in today's dollars. That keeps the projection in today's purchasing power so the numbers stay meaningful.

Related calculators

Was this calculator helpful?

Written & reviewed by Chase Bennett, President of CalcHeadquarters

Every calculator is built from published formulas and authoritative sources, then independently checked for accuracy before it goes live. Last updated July 2026. Read our editorial policy & methodology.