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Retirement Calculator

%
years

Projected Balance

$548,171

Months Contributing

300

4% Rule (monthly)

$1,827

Projected balance is a planning estimate based on your return assumption. The 4% rule figure is a rough guideline for sustainable withdrawals—use it for context, not certainty.

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After you get your result, compare a few scenarios or explore related tools.

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How it works

Retirement projections are driven by three big levers: how much you already have, how much you add, and how long your money can compound. This calculator estimates a future balance by applying a monthly return rate and adding your monthly contribution over a set number of years.

  1. Enter current savings and monthly contribution.
  2. Enter an estimated annual return and time horizon.
  3. The calculator projects a future balance.

It also shows a 4% rule monthly estimate as a planning reference for what a portfolio of that size might support.

Example

$25,000 + $500/month at 7% for 25 years → projected balance estimate

How to interpret your result

The projected balance is not a promise—it’s what happens if your return assumption holds on average. Use it to compare scenarios, not to predict an exact outcome.

  • If your horizon is long, small changes in return rate can create large differences.
  • If your horizon is short, contributions often matter more than return assumptions.

Common mistakes

  • Using an optimistic return rate without considering volatility and risk.
  • Ignoring inflation (future dollars may buy less).
  • Assuming contributions stay flat forever when income may grow.
  • Treating the 4% rule as a guarantee instead of a guideline.

Comparison table

LeverWhat it changesTypical impact
More yearsTime compoundingVery high (especially decades)
Higher monthly contributionPrincipal addedHigh and controllable
Higher return assumptionGrowth rateHigh but uncertain

FAQ

Savings can grow from contributions and investment returns over time. Compounding is powerful over decades.

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