Retirement Calculator
Estimate how much you will have saved by the time you retire.
Enter values above to see results
How to use this calculator
Enter your assumptions above and review how projected outcomes change as you adjust contribution amount, rate of return, timeline, or withdrawal values. Testing conservative, moderate, and optimistic scenarios can help you understand a realistic range of possible results.
Start by using realistic estimates based on your personal situation. If unsure about expected returns, use historical average returns but recognize that past performance does not guarantee future results. You can experiment with different assumptions by changing one variable at a time and observing how each factor affects your outcome. This helps build intuition for how contributions, time horizon, and rate of return interact.
Assumptions and limitations
Calculator outputs are educational projections, not guarantees. Real outcomes can differ due to market volatility, inflation, taxes, fees, and personal circumstances. Use these estimates as planning support and combine them with broader research before making financial decisions.
This calculator assumes consistent investment behavior, reinvested returns, and doesn't account for withdrawals beyond those specified or emergency changes to your plan. For a personalized financial plan, consult with a qualified financial advisor who can review your complete situation. Our goal is educational—to help you understand the mechanics of compound growth and the impact of key variables on long-term wealth building.
Use retirement projections as a planning starting point
A retirement calculator estimates how savings, contributions, returns, inflation, and time may interact before and during retirement. It can clarify the gap between a current plan and a desired income target, but it cannot replace a complete retirement plan.
The most useful input is often the time horizon. A plan with decades before retirement can be tested under several return and inflation assumptions, while a shorter horizon may call for more attention to contributions, spending flexibility, and the sequence of investment returns.
Formula and inputs
The calculator projects the future value of current savings and future contributions, then compares that pool with the retirement-income assumptions entered. Inflation adjustments reduce the purchasing power of future dollars so the result is easier to interpret in today’s terms.
Enter current savings, annual or monthly contributions, expected return, inflation, retirement age, and estimated spending goal. Use current account balances and contribution levels, then test lower-return and higher-inflation cases as well.
Worked planning example
For example, a saver with $75,000 today may contribute $750 each month for twenty-five years while modelling a 5% return and 2.5% inflation. This creates a baseline that can be compared with a lower 3% return or a delayed retirement date.
| Input or result | Example | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Current retirement savings | $75,000 | Existing balance available to grow |
| Monthly contribution | $750 | Planned ongoing saving |
| Time to retirement | 25 years | Accumulation period |
| Return / inflation assumptions | 5% / 2.5% | Scenario assumptions used in the estimate |
| Stress test | 3% return | Tests a less favourable growth path |
How to interpret the result
Treat the output as a conversation starter. If the estimate falls short, test practical changes such as saving more, working longer, reducing the income target, or reviewing expenses. A result that works only under one optimistic set of assumptions is fragile.
Limitations to keep in mind
Longevity, healthcare costs, taxes, pensions, Social Security or other public benefits, account rules, and the order of market returns can materially affect retirement outcomes. The calculator uses simplified assumptions and does not provide personalised advice.
Use this tool to test assumptions, not to predict a guaranteed outcome. Financial markets, inflation, taxes, fees, account rules, and personal circumstances can change a real-world result. For decisions that depend on your full financial situation, consider speaking with a qualified professional.
Take the Next Step
Use our free calculators to plan your investments and see potential returns.
How Much Do You Need to Retire?
Retirement planning is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. This calculator helps you estimate your total retirement savings based on your current situation.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your current age, target retirement age, current savings, monthly contribution, and expected annual return. The calculator instantly shows your projected retirement savings.
The Power of Starting Early
A 25-year-old investing $500/month at 7% return will have approximately $1.2 million by age 65.
A 35-year-old with the same plan will have approximately $567,000.
That 10-year head start nearly doubles the result — thanks to Compound Interest: Formula, Examples, and Limits">Compound Interest Calculator">compound interest.
How Much Should You Save for Retirement?
There is no single savings percentage that fits every household. A useful target depends on income, employer contributions, retirement age, expected spending, taxes, inflation, and other resources. Consider:
Your desired retirement lifestyle
Expected Social Security benefits
Other income sources (rental income, pensions)
Healthcare costs
Sources and assumptions
The examples on this page are mathematical illustrations based on the inputs shown. Results are not forecasts or guarantees; fees, taxes, inflation, market changes, timing, and personal circumstances can materially change real outcomes.