How to use the Retirement Calculator
- Enter your age, the age you plan to retire and what you have saved today.
- Add your monthly contribution and any employer match.
- Choose a realistic long-term return and inflation rate.
- Compare the projected balance in future and today's dollars.
How it works
The balance grows each month by the investment return and your contributions:
Balancenext = Balance × (1 + rm) + contributionTo show purchasing power, the final balance is divided by (1 + inflation)years. The 4% rule estimates an income you could
withdraw each year with a high historical chance of the money lasting about 30 years.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to retire?
A popular rule of thumb is 25× your expected annual expenses (the inverse of the 4% rule). If you need $50,000 a year, aim for about $1.25 million.
Should I count my employer match?
Yes — an employer 401(k) match is part of your retirement savings and is effectively an instant return on your contribution.
What if I start late?
Increase contributions, use catch-up contributions after 50, delay retirement a few years, or plan for part-time income. Each extra year of saving and growth helps significantly.