Retirement planning starts with understanding how today's savings and contributions can grow over time. This calculator projects your nest egg at retirement age.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your current age and planned retirement age.
- Enter your current retirement savings balance.
- Enter how much you contribute each month.
- Enter your expected average annual return.
- Review projected savings at retirement.
Formula
The projection combines growth on current savings with monthly contributions until retirement, using compound monthly returns.
Example
A 35-year-old with $50,000 saved who contributes $500 per month at 6% average return could have about $650,000 by age 65.
Frequently asked questions
- What return rate should I use?
- Many planners use 5–7% for long-term stock-heavy portfolios, but conservative estimates may use lower rates. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
- Does this include employer matching?
- Include employer contributions in your monthly contribution field if you want them reflected in the projection.
- How much should I save for retirement?
- A common guideline is 15% of income including employer match, but your target depends on expected expenses, Social Security, pensions, and retirement age.
- What is the 4% rule?
- The 4% rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your portfolio in year one of retirement, adjusted for inflation thereafter. It is a planning shortcut, not a guarantee.
- How does starting early affect retirement savings?
- Starting earlier gives contributions more time to compound. Even small increases in monthly savings can significantly raise your balance over decades.
- Should I count my 401(k) and IRA together?
- Yes. Enter your combined retirement balance in current savings, or run separate projections and add the results for a full picture.
- Does this calculator adjust for inflation?
- No. The projected balance is in today's dollars unless you reduce your return assumption to an after-inflation (real) rate.
- What if I retire before age 65?
- Set your retirement age accordingly. Early retirement requires a larger nest egg because you have fewer earning years and more years of withdrawals.
- How do catch-up contributions work?
- Workers 50 and older can often contribute extra to 401(k) and IRA accounts. Add catch-up amounts to your monthly contribution if applicable.
- Is my projected balance enough to retire?
- Compare projected savings to expected annual retirement spending multiplied by 25–30 as a rough check. Use a dedicated FIRE or withdrawal calculator for deeper analysis.