This free retirement calculator projects how your savings grow between now and your target retirement age using compound interest. Enter your current age, current savings, monthly contribution, expected return, and inflation rate — adjust the sliders or type exact values — and see your projected balance in both nominal and inflation-adjusted (real) terms, plus your estimated monthly income at the 4% safe withdrawal rate. All calculations run locally in your browser and nothing is stored or transmitted.
A widely used rule of thumb is to save 25 times your desired annual retirement spending. That figure comes from the 4% safe withdrawal rule: withdraw 4% of a diversified portfolio each year and, based on historical data, it should last a 30-year retirement. If you want $50,000 a year, you would aim for roughly $1,250,000. Learn more in The 4% Rule Explained.
A portfolio worth $2,000,000 in 30 years won't buy what $2,000,000 buys today. This calculator shows both the raw (nominal) figure and its real value in today's dollars, so you don't overestimate your future purchasing power. It also highlights the enormous effect of starting early — see our guide on the power of compound interest.
What return should I assume? Historically a diversified stock-heavy portfolio has returned around 7% a year after inflation, though future returns are never guaranteed. Try a range of assumptions to stress-test your plan.
Do monthly contributions really matter that much? Yes — regular contributions compound on top of your existing balance. Increasing your monthly amount, even modestly, can dramatically change your final balance over decades.
Am I saving enough for retirement at 40? A rough benchmark is 2–3× your salary saved by 40 — but the honest answer comes from your own inputs. Enter your actual savings and contribution, and check whether the projection crosses 25× your planned spending by your target age. If you prefer to plan without counting Social Security, simply treat the calculator's result as your full income need.
This tool is Step 5 of our master guide — The DIY Financial Plan: From First Dollar to Financial Independence.
Explore our other tools — the FIRE Calculator, Mortgage Calculator, and Portfolio Stress-Tester. WealthDeck provides educational tools only, not financial advice — see our Terms & Disclaimer.