💰 Finance & Investing

Retirement Calculator (US)

Calculate retirement savings needed and projected nest egg. Free US retirement calculator with 401(k), IRA, SS.

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What This Calculator Tells You

This calculator projects how large your retirement savings could be by the age you plan to retire, based on what you have saved today, what you add each month and the average return you expect.

It answers "where am I heading?" — a starting point for deciding whether to save more, retire later or adjust your expectations.

What to Enter

Current age and Retirement age — the number of years your money has to grow.
Current savings ($) — the total in all retirement accounts today: 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Roth IRA and any other money set aside for retirement.
Monthly contribution ($) — what goes in each month, including any employer match. For example, $400 from you plus a $100 match is $500.
Annual return (%) — your expected average yearly return before inflation. Many planners test several rates, such as 5%, 6% and 7%.

Assumptions: a constant return compounded monthly, contributions at the end of each month, and no inflation, taxes, fees or Social Security. See our methodology.

Worked Examples

1. Starting at 30

Age 30, retiring at 65, with $10,000 saved, $500 a month going in and a 7% average return.

Enter those figures → about $1,015,589 at 65.
You contribute $220,000; investment growth adds roughly $795,600.

2. Starting the same plan at 40

Everything the same, but starting at 40 — 25 years instead of 35.

Enter age 40 → about $462,290 at 65.
Ten fewer years cut the result by more than half, even though contributions only fell by $60,000.

3. A more cautious return

Back to starting at 30, but assuming a 5% return instead of 7%.

Enter 5% → about $625,383 at 65.
Two points of return change the outcome by almost $400,000 — which is why it pays to test more than one rate.

How It’s Calculated

Future Value formula plus 4% Rule: Annual Income = Nest Egg × 0.04.

How to Read Your Result

The result is in future dollars. $1 million in 35 years will buy much less than $1 million today. Our inflation calculator converts it to today's money.
Turn the balance into income. A common rule of thumb is to withdraw around 4% a year; $1,015,589 would support roughly $40,600 a year before tax. It is a rough guide, not a guarantee.
Add other income separately. Social Security and any pension are not included here.
Revisit it yearly. Update your balance and contribution once a year to see whether you are on track.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming a high return. A projection at 9–10% can look reassuring but leaves no margin for poor markets or high fees.
Forgetting the employer match. If your employer adds money, include it in the monthly contribution.
Reading the result as today's money. It is not adjusted for inflation.
Ignoring taxes. Withdrawals from traditional 401(k)s and IRAs are taxed as income; Roth withdrawals generally are not.
Using it as a full plan. Healthcare, retirement length and Social Security timing all matter. Speak to a qualified adviser for big decisions.

Built and maintained by GenAlpha Tools Editorial. Formula tested against known answers and edge cases · last reviewed October 2026. How we calculate · Report an error

When to Use This Calculator

Check whether your current savings rate is on track.
See the effect of saving an extra $100 or $200 a month.
Compare retiring at 62, 65 or 67.
Show the real cost of waiting to start saving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need to retire?

It depends on your spending, other income and how long retirement lasts. One rough method: estimate your yearly spending, subtract expected Social Security, and multiply the gap by 25 (the inverse of a 4% withdrawal rate).

What return should I assume?

There is no single right answer. Many people test a range — such as 5% to 7% before inflation for a diversified stock-and-bond portfolio — and plan around the lower result.

Does this include Social Security?

No. Get your personal estimate from the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov and add it to the income your savings could provide.

Should I include my employer's 401(k) match?

Yes. Matching contributions go into your account and grow just like your own, so include them in the monthly amount.

Is the result adjusted for inflation?

No. It shows a nominal balance. To think in today's dollars, either enter a return already reduced by expected inflation or convert the result afterwards.

Do you store the values I enter?

No. All calculations happen in your browser. Your data never leaves your device.

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