Retirement Calculator 2026
Easily estimate how much you could have saved by retirement based on your current savings, monthly contributions, expected return, inflation, retirement age, Social Security, and desired retirement income.
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Retirement Calculator Inputs
Estimated Retirement Results
Year-by-Year Retirement Projection
| Age | Starting Balance | Annual Contributions | Estimated Growth | Ending Balance |
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What Is a Retirement Calculator?
A retirement calculator helps estimate whether your current savings and future contributions could grow to a potential retirement target. It can also help you explore how retirement age, monthly contributions, expected investment returns, inflation, Social Security, and planned retirement income affect a long-term savings projection.
This calculator is designed as a planning and educational tool. It does not predict market returns or determine exactly how much money you will need in retirement.
How the Retirement Calculator Works
The calculator starts with your current retirement savings and grows the balance using the annual return assumption you enter. It then adds your monthly contribution throughout the years remaining until retirement.
Your desired monthly retirement income is also adjusted for the expected inflation rate. If you enter an estimated Social Security benefit, that amount is subtracted from the projected monthly income requirement.
The remaining annual income need is divided by your selected withdrawal rate to estimate a retirement savings target.
How Compound Growth Helps Retirement Savings
Retirement savings can potentially grow through both contributions and investment returns. When investment gains remain invested, future gains may be earned on a larger balance.
Starting earlier can give savings more time to compound, while increasing contributions can increase the amount of money invested over time.
Why Inflation Matters for Retirement
Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money over time. For example, a monthly retirement budget that seems sufficient today may require a larger dollar amount in the future to purchase a similar amount of goods and services.
This calculator therefore allows you to enter an inflation assumption and estimates the future monthly income requirement based on that rate.
Retirement Savings Target and Withdrawal Rate
The withdrawal rate is used here as a planning assumption. A lower withdrawal rate generally produces a larger estimated savings target, while a higher withdrawal rate produces a smaller target.
A withdrawal rate is not a guarantee that a particular amount will last throughout retirement. Actual results depend on investment performance, inflation, taxes, spending patterns, fees, longevity, and the sequence of investment returns.
Social Security and Retirement Planning
Social Security can be one potential source of retirement income. You can enter an estimated monthly benefit in the calculator to reduce the amount of retirement income that needs to come from savings.
For personalized Social Security estimates and official benefit information, use the Social Security Administration retirement planning resources .
What Can Change Your Retirement Projection?
- Current retirement savings
- Monthly contribution amount
- Years until retirement
- Expected investment return
- Inflation
- Retirement spending needs
- Social Security or other retirement income
- Withdrawal rate
- Investment fees and taxes
- Healthcare and other retirement expenses
Retirement Calculator Example
Suppose you are 30 years old, have $25,000 saved, contribute $500 per month, and plan to retire at age 65. You could enter a hypothetical annual return, inflation assumption, desired retirement income, and withdrawal rate to see how those assumptions affect the projected retirement balance and savings target.
The example is an illustration only. It should not be interpreted as a prediction of future investment performance or a recommendation for any particular investment strategy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to retire?
There is no universal retirement savings amount. Your target depends on retirement age, expected spending, other income sources, taxes, healthcare costs, investment returns, and how long your savings need to last.
How much should I save for retirement each month?
The appropriate contribution depends on your current age, existing savings, retirement goal, planned retirement age, expected returns, and desired spending. This calculator lets you test different monthly contribution amounts.
What return should I use in a retirement calculator?
Use a reasonable planning assumption rather than treating a single rate as guaranteed. Investment returns can vary from year to year and can include losses.
How does inflation affect retirement savings?
Inflation can reduce purchasing power. A higher inflation assumption increases the estimated amount of monthly income needed in future dollars.
Does this retirement calculator include Social Security?
Yes. You can enter an estimated monthly Social Security benefit. The calculator subtracts that amount from the projected monthly retirement income requirement.
Is a 4% withdrawal rate guaranteed?
No. The withdrawal rate is a planning assumption only. Actual sustainable withdrawals depend on investment returns, inflation, taxes, spending, fees, longevity, and other factors.
Does this calculator include taxes?
No. Taxes are not directly modeled. Your actual retirement income after taxes may differ from the estimates shown here.
Does this calculator include investment fees?
No. Investment fees and expenses are not included in the projection. Actual account growth after fees may be lower.
Are retirement calculator results guaranteed?
No. Results are estimates based on the assumptions entered. Actual investment performance, inflation, spending, taxes, and longevity can all differ from the assumptions.
Retirement Calculator Disclaimer
DollarSenseUSA’s retirement calculator is provided for educational and planning purposes only. The results are estimates and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or retirement advice. Investment returns are not guaranteed, and actual results may differ significantly from the estimates. Consider consulting a qualified financial or tax professional for advice based on your individual circumstances.