Retirement Savings Calculator
Wondering if you're saving enough for retirement is one of the most common financial anxieties, and this calculator turns that worry into a concrete projection by modeling how your current savings, monthly contributions, expected return, and years to retirement combine into a projected nest egg, then comparing it to a target based on the 80% income replacement rule. Enter your current savings, your monthly contribution, your expected annual return, the years to retirement, and your current income, and the calculator returns your projected balance at retirement, the total you'll have contributed, the growth your investments generated, and whether you're on track to replace 80% of your pre-retirement income. The 80% rule is a starting guideline — many retirees spend less than when working (no commuting, no payroll taxes, lower housing costs) while others spend more on travel and healthcare — so adjust the target to your expected lifestyle. Use a realistic return assumption: a balanced portfolio has historically returned roughly 6% to 7% after inflation, and using a conservative rate avoids over-optimistic projections that lead to under-saving. The calculator shows the power of starting early and contributing consistently, because decades of compounding on regular contributions produce the bulk of the final balance for most savers. If you're behind, the levers are to increase your contribution rate, extend your time horizon by working longer, or invest for a higher (but riskier) expected return. Use this calculator to check whether you're on track, to see how increasing your contributions changes your outcome, and to set a concrete monthly savings target that gets you to a comfortable retirement.
Retirement Savings Calculator
Project your nest egg and see if you're on track for retirement.
Projected retirement balance
$1,015,810
After 30 years
Target (25x income)
$2,000,000
Shortfall
$984,190
Consider saving more
The 25x rule estimates the nest egg needed to sustain a 30-year retirement using a 4% withdrawal rate. This is a guideline — your actual needs depend on expenses, Social Security, and lifestyle.
About This Calculator
Wondering if you're saving enough for retirement is one of the most common financial anxieties, and this calculator turns that worry into a concrete projection by modeling how your current savings, monthly contributions, expected return, and years to retirement combine into a projected nest egg, then comparing it to a target based on the 80% income replacement rule. Enter your current savings, your monthly contribution, your expected annual return, the years to retirement, and your current income, and the calculator returns your projected balance at retirement, the total you'll have contributed, the growth your investments generated, and whether you're on track to replace 80% of your pre-retirement income. The 80% rule is a starting guideline — many retirees spend less than when working (no commuting, no payroll taxes, lower housing costs) while others spend more on travel and healthcare — so adjust the target to your expected lifestyle. Use a realistic return assumption: a balanced portfolio has historically returned roughly 6% to 7% after inflation, and using a conservative rate avoids over-optimistic projections that lead to under-saving. The calculator shows the power of starting early and contributing consistently, because decades of compounding on regular contributions produce the bulk of the final balance for most savers. If you're behind, the levers are to increase your contribution rate, extend your time horizon by working longer, or invest for a higher (but riskier) expected return. Use this calculator to check whether you're on track, to see how increasing your contributions changes your outcome, and to set a concrete monthly savings target that gets you to a comfortable retirement.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Results depend on assumptions that may not reflect your actual situation.
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Written by
James MitchellSenior Financial Analyst & Personal Finance Expert
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) • MBA in Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business