Plan your retirement savings and estimate how much you need to save.
Result
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Total Savings at Retirement
Years to Retirement-
Total Contributions-
Investment Growth-
Total Contributions
Investment Growth
⚙️ How It Works
A retirement calculator estimates how much money you'll have when you retire based on your current savings, monthly contributions, expected investment returns, and years until retirement. It uses compound growth to project your portfolio value, then estimates how long your savings will last given your expected annual withdrawals.
Future Value = PV(1+r)^n + PMT × [((1+r)^n − 1)/r] | Withdrawal Rate: Annual Withdrawal / Portfolio Value × 100%
Editorial Standards
Author
BetterProduct Editorial Team
Reviewed by
Checked against standard finance formulas and representative planning scenarios.
Updated
March 2026
Best used for
Budgeting, comparisons, and what-if planning.
Languages checked
7 language editions aligned from the same source formulas.
Use Results Responsibly
Compare at least two scenarios before making a decision.
Keep rates, periods, and fees in the same unit system.
Verify taxes, insurance, and lender-specific rules with official documents.
❓ FAQ
How much do I need to retire?
A common rule of thumb is the '25x rule': save 25 times your expected annual expenses. This supports a 4% annual withdrawal rate, which historically has lasted 30+ years. For $50,000/year expenses, you'd need $1.25 million.
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your portfolio in year one of retirement, then adjusting for inflation each year. Research shows this rate has historically sustained a 30-year retirement with a diversified portfolio.
When should I start saving for retirement?
Start as early as possible. Due to compound interest, money invested in your 20s grows far more than money invested in your 40s. Even small amounts early make a huge difference — $100/month from age 25 vs 35 can mean $100,000+ more at retirement.
What is a 401(k) and should I use it?
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement account with tax advantages. Contributions reduce your taxable income now (traditional) or grow tax-free (Roth). Always contribute at least enough to get your employer's full match — it's free money.
What is Social Security and how does it factor in?
Social Security provides monthly income in retirement based on your earnings history. You can claim as early as 62 (reduced benefit) or as late as 70 (maximum benefit). Delaying increases your monthly benefit by about 8% per year after full retirement age.