Retirement planning

Retirement Calculator

Estimate savings at retirement, compare a target and explore the monthly income the projected balance may support.

This planning scenario estimates future savings and their value in today’s dollars using your inflation assumption. It does not model taxes, Social Security, pensions or variable market returns.

What this number means

The result is an estimate of how your savings might grow, and it depends heavily on the return and inflation you assume. Treat it as a range, not a promise, and revisit it as your income and goals change. Inflation reduces what future dollars can buy. Look up terms in the glossary.

Use a range, not one retirement number

Run a lower-return case, your planning case and a higher-inflation case. A resilient plan should not depend on every assumption working perfectly.

Important items to evaluate separately

  • Expected Social Security and pension income
  • Healthcare, housing and long-term-care costs
  • Taxes, inflation and investment fees
  • Retirement timing, longevity and the order of market returns
Investment CalculatorCompound InterestInflation CalculatorRetirement Savings GuideRule of 72: Doubling TimeSave by ageRoth vs. traditional

Educational planning estimate only; not investment, tax, legal or retirement advice.

Written and maintained by Ryan V. Rhodes — Founder & Editor, IQlatorEducational information

Build retirement scenarios around savings, spending and uncertainty

Retirement planning connects current savings, future contributions, time, returns, inflation and expected withdrawals. Small changes compound over long periods, so one result should not be treated as a precise forecast. A range of scenarios is more informative than a single target.

How to use this page

The calculator grows the current balance and recurring contributions using the entered return and time. If the result is shown in future dollars, compare it with expenses expressed on the same basis or separately adjust for inflation.

Practical exampleTest a lower return, higher inflation and a temporary contribution pause. Then compare those results with increasing contributions by a manageable amount. This shows which assumptions have the greatest influence on the plan.

Inputs to verify

  • Include employer contributions only when eligibility and vesting are understood.
  • Model fees and taxes where relevant to the account type.
  • Revisit the assumptions after major income, family or market changes.

Common questions

What return should I use?

There is no guaranteed rate. Use multiple assumptions consistent with the asset mix and planning horizon.

Does the ending balance prove I can retire?

No. Spending, longevity, taxes, health costs and withdrawal sequence also matter.

How to read the retirement gap

Focus on the gap between projected savings and the target implied by your assumptions. Retirement age, contribution rate, inflation, expected return and spending needs interact; a small change in several assumptions can be more realistic than relying on one aggressive return.

Methodology and sources: See IQlator calculation methodology and source standards. Educational accumulation model; consider a qualified fiduciary for individualized retirement advice.

Worked retirement example

Suppose a household has $250,000 saved, contributes $1,500 per month and has 20 years until retirement. Rather than treating one assumed return as a promise, compare several return assumptions and then compare the projected balance with the spending the household expects to fund. Social Security, pensions, taxes, inflation and withdrawal timing should be evaluated separately.

ScenarioWhat to testWhy it matters
Lower returnReduce the assumed annual returnShows sensitivity to weaker markets
Higher savingIncrease monthly contributionsShows what is under your control
Later retirementAdd working yearsAdds contributions and shortens the funding period

Sources and further reading

Use official resources alongside the projection: Social Security Administration retirement planning, SEC Investor.gov saving and investing guidance, and IRS retirement plan information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a retirement calculator a prediction?

No. Returns, inflation, taxes, spending and life expectancy are uncertain. Use several assumptions and revisit the plan as circumstances change.

How should I use the result?

Use the result to compare scenarios and verify decision-critical figures with the relevant provider, official document or qualified professional.