Retirement Savings Calculator
Check whether your current savings habit puts you where you want to be at retirement.
How to use
- Enter your current age and the age you plan to retire.
- Enter what you have already saved for retirement.
- Enter the amount you can contribute every month.
- Enter an expected annual return, then press Calculate.
Time is the most powerful input. Starting ten years earlier often matters more than saving a little extra later, because returns compound on earlier contributions for longer. Try changing the retirement age or the monthly contribution to see which change moves the result most for you — then pick the plan you can actually sustain.
Worked example
Current age: 30. Retirement age: 65 (35 years). Current savings: $10,000. Monthly contribution: $500. Expected annual return: 7%.
Result: projected value at retirement $1,007,293.12, total contributions $220,000, growth $787,293.12. Contributions are the $10,000 starting balance plus $500 a month for 420 months. Growth is the difference between the projected value and total contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What annual return should I assume?
A common planning assumption for a diversified stock-heavy portfolio is around 6–8% before inflation, but no return is guaranteed. Try a lower rate too — planning on a conservative return leaves more room for market downturns.
Does this include inflation?
No. The projected value is in future dollars, which will buy less than today's dollars. To think in today's purchasing power, you can mentally discount the result or compare it with your expected future expenses, not today's expenses.
Are taxes included?
No. Taxes depend on the account type — traditional retirement accounts are usually taxed on withdrawal, Roth accounts are usually taxed on contribution. The calculator shows pre-tax growth so you can compare contribution plans.
What if I cannot contribute every month?
Irregular contributions still help, but the calculator assumes a steady monthly amount. If your contributions vary, enter your average monthly amount for a reasonable estimate.
How much do I need to retire?
There is no single number: it depends on your spending, other income such as Social Security, health costs, and how long retirement lasts. A common starting point is planning for 70–80% of pre-retirement income, then adjusting for your own situation.
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