Retirement Calculator
Free retirement savings calculator: nest egg goal, monthly contributions, inflation. US 401(k)-style planning. No signup, in your browser.
Last updated 2026-05-28 · Davi Baptista
Read also: Retirement Planning Guide, Calculadora FIRE, Juros compostos
How it works
Retirement savings grow through contributions plus compound returns until your target age—this calculator checks whether your 401(k)/IRA path matches your income goal.
Project how today's savings and monthly contributions grow before retirement, in today's purchasing power (real returns). Example: spending $60,000/year in retirement often implies a nest egg near $1.5M using the 25× rule (4% safe withdrawal). See if your timeline hits that target.
Nest egg, Social Security, and drawdown planning
Retirement planning combines what you save today, expected return, inflation, and income sources after you stop working—401(k), IRA, taxable brokerage, pension, and Social Security.
Delaying Social Security to full retirement age or 70 increases monthly benefits; model both spouses if applicable. Medicare eligibility at 65 affects healthcare budgeting.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s start at IRS-defined ages—plan tax-bracket management before large forced withdrawals.
Run FIRE for aggressive early targets, compound interest for accumulation phase, and 401(k) loan calculator before borrowing against retirement balances.
Guide, examples, and methodology
How to use this retirement savings calculator
Set your age, planned retirement age, current 401(k)/IRA balance, monthly contributions, desired monthly income in today's dollars, expected return, and inflation. The calculator shows whether you are on track and how much you may need to save.
Example (USD)
| Profile | Assumption | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Age 35 → 65 | $80,000 saved, $800/mo | 30 years of compounding |
| Goal income | $5,000/mo in today's dollars | Inflation field adjusts future need |
| US context | 401(k) + IRA | Tax treatment not modeled in detail |
How we calculate
We grow current savings and future contributions to retirement age, then estimate whether the nest egg can support your spending goal using your return and inflation inputs. Social Security, pensions, Roth vs traditional tax, RMDs, and employer match caps are simplified—use results for direction, not a filing decision.
Common mistakes
- Not increasing contributions after a raise (lifestyle creep).
- Using nominal returns without thinking about real (after-inflation) growth.
- Counting employer match in your salary but not in contributions.
- Assuming you can work until 65 without a disability or layoff plan B.
Related calculators in this topic
- Compound Interest Calculator
- DCA Calculator
- Free Dividend & DRIP Calculator
- Free 401(k) Loan Cost Calculator
Frequently asked questions
How much should I save for retirement per month?
It depends on age, current savings, target retirement age, and desired income. Many US planners suggest 15% of pay including employer match as a baseline; this calculator shows the gap for your specific inputs.
What is a retirement nest egg?
Your nest egg is the total invested assets you draw from in retirement—401(k), IRA, Roth, taxable brokerage, etc. The calculator estimates how large it needs to be to fund your spending goal.
How much do I need to retire?
A common guide is 25× your expected annual retirement spending (the 4% rule). Plan to spend $60,000/year → target near $1.5M invested. Our calculator shows whether your savings path reaches your required nest egg.
Why use real (inflation-adjusted) returns?
Nominal 8% return with 3% inflation ≈ 5% real growth. Real returns keep your retirement target in 'today's dollars' so you do not underestimate how much you'll need.
What is the 4% safe withdrawal rate?
Withdraw roughly 4% of your portfolio in year one of retirement, then adjust for inflation. It is a planning heuristic from historical U.S. portfolio studies — not a guarantee. Personal spending and taxes still matter.