Retirement Calculator
Example: $500K savings + $1,500/mo = $2.1M nest egg at age 65
Plan your retirement by estimating how much you will have, how much you need, and whether you are on track. Enter your current savings, monthly contributions, and expected spending to calculate a retirement projection and FIRE number.
retirement
Balance over time
Nest Egg at Retirement
Projected savings at retirement
Safe Monthly Withdrawal
Monthly income from savings
Surplus / Shortfall
How much extra or short
Nest Egg Needed
Required savings for your lifestyle
Total Investment Growth
Growth from investments
Years to Retirement
FIRE Number
25x annual spending
How We Calculate This
This calculator uses compound growth projections with regular contributions. Retirement needs are calculated using the safe withdrawal rate (default 4%) to determine how much savings is required to generate your desired retirement income.
Methodology last reviewed: May 2024. How SparkCalc works
Sources: U.S. SEC (Investor.gov): Compound Interest Calculator · U.S. SEC (Investor.gov): Savings Goal Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule is a guideline suggesting you can withdraw 4% of your retirement savings annually without running out of money over a 30-year retirement. It is based on historical market performance and assumes a balanced portfolio of stocks and bonds.
What is a FIRE number?
Your FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) number is typically 25 times your annual spending. This is the inverse of the 4% rule - if you have 25x your annual expenses saved, you can theoretically live off 4% withdrawals indefinitely.
How much do I need to retire?
The amount you need depends on your desired lifestyle, expected pension/benefits, and withdrawal rate. A common target is having enough savings to replace 70-80% of your pre-retirement income. This calculator helps you determine your specific number.
What return should I expect?
The stock market has historically returned about 10% annually (nominal) or 7% after inflation (real). For planning, 6-7% nominal is conservative for a diversified portfolio. Bonds typically return 3-5%. Use the "Expected Return" field for your nominal rate.
What if I am behind on retirement savings?
Consider increasing your savings rate, working longer, reducing expected retirement spending, or a combination. Even small increases in monthly contributions can make a significant difference over time due to compound growth.
Related Calculators
You might also find these calculators helpful: Compound Interest Calculator, Savings Goal Calculator, and Inflation Calculator.
Related guides
Embed this calculator
Add this free calculator to your own website. Copy the code below and paste it into your page’s HTML. It is responsive and resizes to fit.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. It does not account for taxes, which will reduce your actual retirement income. Investment returns are not guaranteed and vary based on market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized retirement planning.