Retirement Calculator

Where your current savings and monthly contributions land you by retirement age.

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The ledger
Balance at retirement$0
Total contributed$0
Growth from returns$0
Years invested0
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Employer match

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How the retirement calculator works

This calculator projects two things growing together: your current savings compounding on its own, and your monthly contributions compounding as they're added. Both are calculated with monthly compounding at your expected annual return.

Future value = current savings × (1 + r)ⁿ + contribution × (((1 + r)ⁿ − 1) ÷ r)
r = monthly return, n = number of months until retirement

Why the return rate assumption matters so much

Small changes in the expected annual return compound into large differences over decades. A 7% versus 8% assumption over 30 years can mean a difference of tens of thousands of dollars in the final balance — try adjusting the rate above to see the sensitivity for yourself.

What this estimate doesn't include

Inflation, taxes on withdrawal, employer matching contributions, and fees aren't factored in separately — build those into your contribution or return assumptions if you want to account for them.

What return rate should I assume for retirement planning?

Many long-term planners use 6-8% for diversified stock-heavy portfolios, based on long-run historical averages, though future returns aren't guaranteed and vary by asset allocation. Conservative planners often use a lower number to be cautious.

Should this account for inflation?

This calculator shows nominal (non-inflation-adjusted) dollars. To estimate purchasing power in today's dollars, you can lower the return rate by your assumed inflation rate — for example, using a 4-5% "real" return instead of 7-8% nominal.

How much should I be contributing monthly?

A common guideline is 15% of gross income toward retirement, including any employer match. Your actual number depends on your target retirement age, expenses, and other savings goals.

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