Retirement Calculator

Worked example

Example: age 35 with $50,000 saved, $500/month growing 0%, 7% return, 0.5% fees, and 2.5% inflation until 65 shows a lower real balance than the nominal figure, with optional Social Security added to the 4% income sketch.

When to use this

• Rough projection of nest egg at retirement age.
• Testing higher contribution rates or employer match scenarios.
• Seeing sensitivity to return assumptions over 20–30 years.
• Catch-up planning when starting savings in your 40s or 50s.

Common examples

• Age 35 with $80,000 saved, $600/month contributions, 7% return to age 65 → projects a balance often in the mid-$800,000s depending on compounding assumptions.
• Age 50 with $250,000 saved, $1,200/month, 6% to age 67 → models catch-up contributions before Social Security eligibility.
• Late start: age 45 with $40,000 saved, $900/month, 7% to age 65 → shows how doubling contributions partially offsets a shorter runway.
• Age 28 with $15,000 saved, $400/month, 7% to age 65 → long runway shows power of early contributions.
• Age 55 with $400,000 saved, $2,000/month, 5% to age 67 → catch-up planning before Social Security.

Common mistakes

• Omitting employer match from monthly deposits.
• Using pre-tax contribution amounts without noting tax on withdrawals.
• Ignoring inflation when comparing to today's living expenses.
• Assuming a single average return covers every market cycle.

How it works

Enter your current age, retirement age, savings, monthly contribution, expected return, optional fee drag, inflation, contribution growth, employer match, and other retirement income. The calculator compounds monthly at return minus fees, grows contributions each year when set, and reports both nominal and inflation-adjusted balances. Estimated income uses a simple 4% portfolio withdrawal plus other income.

Limitations

Projects savings using constant return and contribution assumptions. Market volatility, taxes, and Social Security are simplified.

Privacy and file handling

Your data stays on your device and is not uploaded.

Accuracy & methodology

This section documents how the calculator works, what it leaves out, and when results were last reviewed. Figures are educational estimates—not professional advice—and are not labeled "current" unless tied to automatically updated reference data.

Formula source or methodology

Projects nest egg from current savings, monthly contributions, expected return, and years until retirement using periodic compounding.

Jurisdiction

United States (generic accumulation model)

Unit system

US dollars; percent; years

Rounding method

Currency amounts round to two decimal places (half up via Math.round × 100 / 100).

Assumptions

• Constant average return
• Fixed monthly savings until retirement
• No withdrawals before retirement age

Known omissions

• Not tax, legal, investment, or lending advice. Confirm material decisions with qualified professionals.
• 2026 IRS contribution limits ($23,500 elective deferral; $7,500 catch-up age 50+; $70,000 combined annual additions under §415(c)) — limits are not enforced in the model
• Employer match annual caps, true-up provisions, and vesting schedules
• Plan administrative fees and fund expense ratios
• Inflation adjustment of future dollars (nominal dollars only unless stated)
• Income tax on withdrawals (pre-tax vs Roth treatment)
• Required minimum distributions (RMDs) and early withdrawal penalties

Test cases (automated)

• Positive savings and horizon produce a projected balance
• Zero years to retirement is rejected

Version & last verified

Logic version 1.0. Content and formulas last verified 2026-07-24.

Important notice

Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Investment returns, inflation, taxes, and fees are simplified or omitted. Consult a qualified financial professional for personal guidance.