DIY Cost Tools
Retirement Calculator
FINANCIAL CALCULATOR
Project a retirement balance from your age, current savings, monthly contributions, and an assumed annual return.
How it works
The calculator compounds the balance monthly and adds each contribution at month-end. It compares the projection with a simple income target divided by your chosen planning withdrawal rate.
Formula
Each month: balance = prior balance × (1 + annual return ÷ 12) + contribution. Target nest egg = desired annual income ÷ withdrawal rate.
Worked example
A 35-year-old with $50,000 saved, adding $500 monthly until age 67 at an assumed 7% return, can compare the projection with a $1.5 million target based on $60,000 divided by 4%.
Important limits
- Returns are uncertain, and a constant rate does not model market volatility or sequence risk.
- Taxes, fees, inflation, pensions, Social Security, employer matches, and changing contributions are excluded.
- A withdrawal rate is a planning assumption, not a guarantee that savings will last.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a return before or after inflation?
Use assumptions consistently. A nominal return pairs with a nominal income target; a real return pairs with an inflation-adjusted target.
Does the result include Social Security?
No. Add expected income sources separately when creating a full retirement plan.
Sources and review notes
Investor.gov provides retirement planning tools and educational guidance. This estimate is educational, not personalized financial advice. Last reviewed September 29, 2026.