Retirement Calculator
Retirement feels far away until you run the numbers. Enter your age, savings, monthly contributions and expected return — see your projected nest egg.
How it works
- Enter your current age and the age you'd like to retire.
- Add your current savings, monthly contribution and expected annual return.
- See the projection — then try retiring 5 years later, or adding $100/month, and watch it move.
Worked example
Age 30, $20,000 saved, $500/month at 7%, retiring at 65: projected nest egg ≈ $1.13 million. You'd contribute $230,000 total — compounding does the other ~$901,000. Start 10 years later and the same plan yields roughly half.
The math behind it
Two parts, both compounded monthly: future value of your current savings (lump sum growing for the full period) plus future value of monthly contributions (an annuity: PMT × ((1+r)n − 1) / r). Growth = projection minus everything you put in.
Common mistakes
- Assuming an unrealistic return like 12% every single year.
- Forgetting inflation — $1M in 35 years buys much less than $1M today.
- Leaving employer 401(k) matching on the table — it's a 100% instant return.
- Raiding retirement savings early: penalties plus decades of lost compounding.
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Frequently asked questions
What return should I assume?
6–7% nominal is a common planning figure for a stock-heavy portfolio. Use lower numbers (3–4%) for conservative bond-heavy plans — and remember no return is guaranteed.
Does this include inflation?
No — the projection is in nominal (future) dollars. At 3% inflation, prices roughly double every 24 years, so think in today's dollars too.
What about my 401(k) employer match?
Add it to your monthly contribution — it's part of what goes in every month, and it's free money.
How much do I actually need to retire?
A common rule of thumb: 25× your annual spending (the 4% rule). Your number depends on lifestyle, location and other income like Social Security.
Is this financial advice?
No — this is an estimate for planning purposes only, not financial advice.