Project your nest egg, estimate your retirement income, and find out if you're on track. See how your savings grow and how long they'll last — with the 4% rule built in.
A retirement calculator projects how big your retirement savings ("nest egg") will grow by the time you retire, based on your current savings, monthly contributions, expected investment return, and years until retirement. It then estimates the annual income that nest egg can safely provide — typically using the 4% rule — so you can see whether you're on track. For example, saving $800/month from age 30 with $50,000 already saved could grow to over $2 million by 65.
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The big question everyone asks is: "What's my number?" While the answer is personal, there's a widely used shortcut based on the 4% rule — the Rule of 25.
Your actual number depends on several factors: your desired lifestyle, whether you'll have other income (Social Security, a pension, rental income), your life expectancy, healthcare costs, and inflation. The calculator gives you a solid starting estimate; a financial planner can refine it for your situation.
The 4% rule is the most famous guideline in retirement planning. It comes from the "Trinity Study" and suggests that if you withdraw 4% of your portfolio in your first year of retirement, then adjust that dollar amount for inflation each year, your savings have a high probability of lasting at least 30 years.
The logic: a balanced portfolio historically returns more than 4% per year on average, so withdrawing 4% lets your money keep growing (or at least hold steady) while providing income. The rule builds in a cushion for down markets.
The 4% rule is a historical guideline, not a law. It assumes a specific portfolio mix and a 30-year retirement. If you retire early (needing 40+ years), face poor early returns ("sequence of returns risk"), or have high fees, you may need to withdraw less — some planners now suggest 3.3%–3.5% for safety. Treat 4% as a planning anchor, not a promise.
Sarah is 30, has $50,000 saved, contributes $800/month, and expects a 7% annual return. Here's her projection:
Step 1: Grow her current savings
Step 2: Grow her monthly contributions
Step 3: Total nest egg at 65
Step 4: Apply the 4% rule for income
Sarah's nest egg: ~$2.0 million · Retirement income: ~$80,650/year · She contributed just $386,000 — compound growth did the rest
A popular guideline is to save 15% of your gross income for retirement, including any employer match. But the right number depends heavily on when you start. Here's roughly what it takes to reach $1 million by age 65 at a 7% return:
The pattern is striking: waiting from 25 to 35 to start roughly doubles the monthly amount required. This is compound interest rewarding early starters — every year you delay makes the goal significantly harder to reach.
Where you save matters as much as how much. Tax-advantaged accounts supercharge your savings by reducing or eliminating taxes on growth:
| Account | Tax Treatment | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k) / 403(b) | Pre-tax contributions, taxed on withdrawal | Employer match; high earners |
| Roth 401(k) | After-tax in, tax-free out | Those expecting higher future taxes |
| Traditional IRA | Often tax-deductible, taxed on withdrawal | Extra savings beyond 401(k) |
| Roth IRA | After-tax in, tax-free growth & withdrawal | Younger savers; tax-free income later |
| HSA | Triple tax-advantaged (health) | Medical costs + stealth retirement |
A common strategy: first contribute enough to your 401(k) to get the full employer match (it's free money), then max a Roth IRA if eligible, then return to max out your 401(k). Never leave employer-match money on the table — it's an instant 50–100% return.
The single biggest factor in retirement success isn't how much you earn — it's how early you start.
Because compound growth accelerates over time, the dollars you invest in your 20s and 30s do far more work than dollars invested later. Consider two savers who each contribute $300/month at 7%:
This is why financial advisors universally preach starting as early as possible, even with small amounts. A 25-year-old investing modest sums will often out-save a 40-year-old investing much more, simply because time and compounding are on their side. Explore the mechanics with our Investment Calculator.
This calculator projects nominal (not inflation-adjusted) values. A $2 million nest egg in 35 years won't have the buying power of $2 million today. To plan in today's dollars, use a lower "real" return — for example, enter 4-5% instead of 7% to roughly account for 2-3% inflation.
A common rule of thumb is to save 25 times your expected annual retirement expenses, based on the 4% withdrawal rule. So if you expect to spend $50,000 per year in retirement, you'd aim for a nest egg of about $1.25 million. Your exact number depends on your lifestyle, other income sources like Social Security or a pension, life expectancy, and inflation. The calculator above projects your nest egg and estimates the income it can provide.
The 4% rule is a guideline suggesting you can withdraw 4% of your retirement savings in your first year of retirement, then adjust that amount for inflation each year, with a high likelihood your money lasts 30 years. For example, a $1 million nest egg would provide about $40,000 in the first year. It's a starting point, not a guarantee — market conditions, spending changes, and longevity can require adjustments.
A widely cited guideline is to save 15% of your gross income for retirement, including any employer match. The exact amount depends on your age, current savings, target retirement age, and desired lifestyle. Starting earlier dramatically reduces the monthly amount required because of compound growth. Use the calculator above to find the monthly contribution that reaches your goal.
No, it's not too late, though starting later means you'll need to save more aggressively. Those over 50 can make catch-up contributions to 401(k)s and IRAs, allowing higher annual limits. Even starting at 50 with consistent, higher contributions and 15+ years of growth can build meaningful savings. The key is to start now and maximize tax-advantaged accounts and any employer match.
This calculator focuses on your personal savings and investments, projecting your nest egg and the income it can generate. It does not automatically include Social Security, pensions, or other income sources. In reality, these can significantly supplement your retirement income, so your total available income may be higher than the calculator's estimate. Consider them separately when planning your full retirement budget.
They're two sides of the same coin. The Rule of 25 tells you how much to save (25 times your annual expenses), while the 4% rule tells you how much to withdraw (4% of your nest egg per year). If you save 25× your spending and withdraw 4%, the math lines up perfectly: 4% of 25× your expenses equals exactly one year of expenses. Use the Rule of 25 for a savings target and the 4% rule for a withdrawal plan.
Generally, no — not for the 4% rule calculation. Your primary home isn't a liquid income-producing asset unless you plan to downsize, sell, or use a reverse mortgage. Most planners exclude home equity from the nest egg used for withdrawals, though they may count it as a backup resource. Focus on your invested, income-generating savings for retirement income planning.
No. All calculations happen entirely in your browser. Your numbers stay on your device — nothing is sent to our servers, and no data is stored after you close the page.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, investment, or tax advice. Projections use assumed returns that are not guaranteed, and actual results will vary. It does not account for taxes, fees, Social Security, or inflation unless you adjust your inputs. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making retirement decisions.