Retirement Calculator
- Free forever
- No signup
- 2026 tax rules
Your information
That’s $6,000 per year
Historical S&P 500 average: ~10% (before inflation)
Historical average: ~3% per year
10% · 22% · 32% · 37%
Estimated monthly retirement income
From $1,475,835 at age 65 · in 35 years
The 4% rule — balances income with longevity
Projected growth over time
This calculator is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Actual returns may vary and past performance does not guarantee future results.
How the Retirement Calculator Works
Enter Your Details
Input your current age, target retirement age, existing savings, and monthly contribution amount.
Compound Interest Magic
Our calculator uses the power of compound interest to show how your money grows exponentially over time.
See Your Future
Instantly see your projected retirement savings and estimated monthly retirement income.
Retirement Savings Tips
Save 15% of Your Income
Financial experts recommend investing at least 15% of your gross household income for retirement. This includes any employer match you receive.
Start Early for Maximum Growth
Time is your greatest asset when saving for retirement. Starting 10 years earlier could mean hundreds of thousands more in your retirement account.
Maximize Employer Match
If your employer offers a 401(k) match, contribute at least enough to get the full match. It's essentially free money for your retirement.
Stay Consistent
Regular, consistent contributions matter more than timing the market. Set up automatic transfers to make saving effortless.
Recommended Reading for Financial Independence
#1 Recommended Book for Financial Independence
The Simple Path to Wealth
by JL Collins
The book that changed how millions think about investing. Simple, clear advice on building wealth through index funds.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rate of return should I use?
The historical average return of the S&P 500 is around 10% before inflation. However, many financial planners suggest using 6-7% as a more conservative estimate that accounts for inflation.
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule is a guideline suggesting you can safely withdraw 4% of your retirement savings per year without running out of money over a 30-year retirement. This is how we estimate your monthly retirement income.
How much should I save for retirement?
A common rule of thumb is to save 10-15% of your pre-tax income for retirement. However, the right amount depends on when you start saving, your retirement goals, and other income sources like Social Security.
Does this calculator account for inflation?
This calculator shows nominal (not inflation-adjusted) values. To account for inflation, you can use a lower expected return rate (e.g., 4-5% instead of 7-10%) to see real purchasing power.
What about Social Security?
This calculator focuses on your personal savings. Social Security benefits would be additional income in retirement. Many financial advisors recommend planning as if Social Security will cover less than you expect.
More Retirement Planning Tools
Explore our free calculators and guides to plan every aspect of your retirement.
Coast FIRE Calculator
Find when you can stop saving and let compound growth carry you to retirement.
401(k) Calculator
Maximize employer matching and see how your 401(k) grows over time.
HSA Calculator
Calculate the triple tax advantage of Health Savings Accounts for retirement.
72(t) Calculator
Withdraw from your IRA before 59½ penalty-free using SEPP distributions.
RMD Calculator
Calculate Required Minimum Distributions from your IRA and 401(k) using IRS tables.
Statement Analyzer
Upload your 401(k) statement for AI-powered analysis of fees, risk, and allocation.
Retirement Guides
Expert articles on the 4% rule, early retirement strategies, and more.
Start Planning Your Retirement Today
The best time to start saving was yesterday. The second best time is now.
Use the Calculator