What annual return rate should I use?

A broadly diversified portfolio of stocks has historically returned around 7% per year after inflation. If your portfolio includes bonds or other conservative assets, 5%–6% is a more cautious estimate. Always use a rate that reflects your actual asset allocation.

Does this account for inflation?

By default the calculator uses nominal (non-inflation-adjusted) figures. To get inflation-adjusted (real) projections, subtract the expected inflation rate (~3%) from your expected return. For example, enter 4% instead of 7% to see results in today's dollars.

How is the projected balance calculated?

The calculator uses the future value of a lump sum plus the future value of an annuity. The formula compounds your existing savings and each monthly contribution at the monthly interest rate over the number of months until retirement.

What does the "years funds will last" figure mean?

If you enter an annual withdrawal amount, the calculator estimates how many years your projected balance will last given that withdrawal and the same return rate during retirement. It is a rough estimate — actual longevity depends on market conditions and spending.

Is my data saved or sent anywhere?

No. All calculations run entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Nothing is stored or transmitted — not even anonymously.

Retirement Calculator

Name: Retirement Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Enter your current savings, monthly contributions, expected annual return, and years to retirement to estimate your total nest egg.

Your Retirement Details

Current Savings ($)

Monthly Contribution ($)

Expected Annual Return (%)

Historical stock market average is ~7% (inflation-adjusted).

Years Until Retirement

Annual Withdrawal in Retirement ($) (optional)

Leave at 0 to skip the drawdown estimate.

Projected Balance

—

Total Contributed

—

Interest Earned

—

Growth Over Time

Enter your details and click Calculate.

Yearly Breakdown

Year	Balance	Contributions	Interest

Summary

Enter your current savings, monthly contributions, expected annual return, and years to retirement to estimate your total nest egg.

How it works

Enter your current retirement savings balance.
Enter your expected monthly contribution (e.g. 401k or IRA deposits).
Set the expected annual return rate (historically ~7% for a diversified portfolio).
Enter the number of years until you plan to retire.
Optionally enter your expected annual withdrawal amount in retirement.
Review the projected balance, total contributions, and interest earned in the results panel.

Use cases

Estimating whether your current savings rate is on track for retirement.
Comparing the impact of increasing monthly contributions by a small amount.
Seeing how many more years of work are needed to reach a target nest egg.
Planning early retirement by adjusting return rate and years to retirement.
Estimating how long a retirement balance will last given a monthly withdrawal.
Visualizing the power of compound interest over a working career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-09 · Reviewed by Nham Vu