What return should I assume?

Historically a diversified stock/bond mix has returned ~6–8% before inflation. Use a conservative number and check the chart.

What formula does the Retirement Calculator use?

It calculates using FV = P(1+i)^n + PMT · [((1+i)^n − 1) / i]; Income ≈ FV × 4% / 12. The guide above walks through what each part means with a worked example.

How accurate is the Retirement Calculator?

It uses standard, widely-accepted financial formulas, so the math is exact for the figures you enter. Real-world numbers can differ once lenders, taxes, fees and rounding are applied, so treat the result as a close estimate rather than a formal quote.

Does the Retirement Calculator include taxes and fees?

It includes only the fields shown on the form. Where inputs for extra costs (fees, taxes, insurance) are available, add them for a fuller picture — a real quote may still vary by provider.

Is this calculator free to use?

Yes — every GKCalculators calculator is 100% free with no sign-up required. Create a free account only if you want to save your calculation history across devices.

All calculations run instantly in your browser. Nothing is sent anywhere unless you tap ‘Explain my results’ (AI) or ‘Save’ while signed in.

Can I share my result?

Yes. Tap Share and we copy a link with your exact inputs baked in, so anyone who opens it sees the same result.

Retirement Calculator

Project your nest egg at retirement and the monthly income it can provide.

Compare

Currency

Current age

Retirement age

Current savings

Monthly contribution

Expected annual return %

AdvertisementAd space

Projected balance at 65

$1,188,181

≈ $3,961/month income (4% rule)

You contribute

$235,000

Investment growth

$953,181

Years to grow

Balance by age

AI Breakdown & Smart Takeaway

Plain-English insight on your numbers

Get a personalized explanation of what these results mean — and how to improve them.

AdvertisementAd space

How the Retirement Calculator works

The Retirement Calculator projects how much you'll accumulate in your nest egg by your target retirement date and translates that lump sum into a sustainable monthly income stream, helping anyone from early-career savers to those within a decade of retirement make smarter decisions about contributions, asset allocation, and timing.

We grow your current savings and every monthly contribution at your expected return until your retirement age.

The ‘4% rule’ estimates the sustainable annual withdrawal, which we convert to a monthly retirement income.

Formula

FV = P(1+i)^n + PMT · [((1+i)^n − 1) / i];  Income ≈ FV × 4% / 12

Pro tips

Increasing your monthly contribution even slightly has an outsized effect over decades.

Key terms

Nest Egg: — The total accumulated retirement savings portfolio — including contributions and investment growth — that you rely on to fund living expenses after you stop working.
401(k): — An employer-sponsored, tax-advantaged retirement savings plan that lets employees contribute pre-tax (traditional) or after-tax (Roth) dollars up to IRS annual limits, often with an employer match.
Pension: — A defined-benefit retirement plan, typically offered by governments or large employers, that guarantees a fixed monthly income in retirement based on years of service and salary history.
Safe Withdrawal Rate: — The percentage of a retirement portfolio you can withdraw each year with a high probability of the portfolio lasting your entire retirement; the widely cited benchmark is 4%.
Compound Interest: — The process by which investment returns are reinvested to generate their own returns, causing wealth to grow exponentially over time rather than linearly.
Real Rate of Return: — The investment return adjusted for inflation, representing the actual increase in purchasing power your savings generate; calculated as nominal return minus inflation rate.