How to use the retirement calculator
Enter your age, the age you'd like to retire, what you've saved so far and how much you save each month, plus the return and inflation you expect. You'll see your estimated savings at retirement, what they're worth in today's money and the monthly income they could pay until the age you plan for. Add the monthly income you'd like, in today's money, to see if you're on track and how much more to save.
How the estimate works
Before retiring: each month, add your saving, then grow at (return ÷ 12)
Today's money = Future amount ÷ (1 + inflation)years
Income: the savings pay a monthly amount that rises with inflation, while the rest keeps earning, until it runs out at your chosen age
The income is the largest inflation-rising monthly amount the savings can pay, starting the month you retire. Your money still earns the after-retirement return while you draw it down, and it reaches zero exactly at the age you plan for.
Worked example
Age 30, retiring at 60, with 500,000 saved and 10,000 a month, at 10% a year with 6% inflation:
Savings at 60 ≈ 32,711,953, about 5,695,482 in today's money. Earning 7% after retiring and lasting to age 85, that pays about 21,841 a month in today's money.
To get 50,000 a month in today's money instead, you'd need about 74,885,443 at 60, so you'd need to save about 18,503 more each month.
Things that make the biggest difference
- Starting early. Money saved in your 20s and 30s has decades to compound.
- Raising your saving each year. Even a 5% yearly increase in line with pay rises adds a lot.
- Fees and inflation. A 1% fee or 1% higher inflation can cut your final income by a large amount over 30 years.
A common US rule of thumb is to withdraw about 4% of your savings in the first year and raise it with inflation. This calculator works out the exact amount for your chosen plan instead. To see how one investment grows, try the investment calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What return and inflation should I use?
No one knows future returns, so try a cautious figure and a hopeful one; the table under your result shows several. Use inflation for your own country, such as the central bank's target or recent average.
Does it include pensions or social security?
No. If you'll get a state or company pension, subtract it from the monthly income you want before entering it.
Is the result after tax?
No. Taxes on withdrawals depend on your country and account type, so allow for them in the income you want.
Formulas checked 29 October 2026. How we test our calculators. This calculator is for planning and education, not financial, tax or legal advice.