How to use the retirement savings calculator
Prepare the values for this calculation
Project retirement savings and compare with an income-based withdrawal-rate target. Use the formula below to check that it answers your question. Read the input units before transferring figures from a statement, measurement or dataset.
Enter and check each input
- Current savings: enter a value at least 0. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Monthly contribution: enter a value at least 0. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Annual return assumption (%): enter a value at least -99 and no more than 100. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Years: enter a value at least 0. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Desired annual retirement income: enter a value at least 0. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Withdrawal-rate assumption (%): enter a value at least 1e-06 and no more than 100. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
The input table gives a complete example. Keep units and time periods consistent across related fields.
Calculate and resolve any input error
Choose Calculate after entering the values. Changes also update the answer after a short pause. If an error appears, follow its message, correct the field and calculate again. Reset restores the example values.
Interpret the answer
Check Projected retirement savings first. With the unchanged example inputs, it is $1,485,987.92. Compare the additional metrics with the primary result; each has its own label and unit.
Compare and keep a useful result
For a controlled comparison, keep every other example input unchanged and change Current savings from 100000 to 110000. The resulting Projected retirement savings is $1,530,637.62. This illustrates the equation’s response to that input, rather than a forecast of real events.
Read the chart’s axis labels and data table. A scenario curve changes one stated input while holding the others fixed; it does not add external observations. Use Download graph to save an available chart as a PNG.
Use Copy result or Download CSV to keep the answer. Share tool shares the page address without placing your input values in the URL. Recheck inputs and assumptions before using the result for a decision.
Retirement Savings Calculator formula
Monthly contributions compound at the entered return; target balance=desired annual income÷withdrawal rate.
Inputs and units
| Input | Format / range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Current savings | minimum 0 | 100000 |
| Monthly contribution | minimum 0 | 1500 |
| Annual return assumption (%) | minimum -99; maximum 100 | 6 |
| Years | minimum 0 | 25 |
| Desired annual retirement income | minimum 0 | 60000 |
| Withdrawal-rate assumption (%) | minimum 1e-06; maximum 100 | 4 |
Worked example
Using the example inputs above, the projected retirement savings is $1,485,987.92.
- Projected retirement savings
- $1,485,987.92
- Planning target
- $1,500,000.00
- Projected surplus / gap
- -$14,012.08
Results and assumptions
The withdrawal-rate target is a planning heuristic, not a guarantee of retirement sustainability.
Fix an input or unexpected result
Current savings is required. Enter current savings using the format and bounds in the input table. Zero and an empty field are different: use zero only if it is allowed and represents your data.
If your answer differs from the example, choose Reset and compare every field, including selected units and options. Check percentage versus decimal entry and whether values describe the same period. Round only the final displayed answer when reproducing the formula.
If a discrepancy remains, report the calculator issue with the page address, non-sensitive example inputs, actual result, expected result and a reference for your calculation.