Retirement Calculator
See how savings, investing, and time work together — project your retirement balance and the gap to your target.
Inputs
Result
Visual breakdown
Formula
Projected = current · (1 + r/12)^(12y) + monthly · (((1 + r/12)^(12y) − 1) ÷ (r/12)). Gap = target − projected. Assumes constant contributions and returns.
How to use
- Use today's-dollar contributions and a real (after-inflation) return for an honest projection.
- Try a target both with and without future inflation to feel the difference.
- Adjust monthly contribution to close the gap.
When it's useful
- Setting a retirement savings target.
- Stress-testing a contribution rate.
- Quantifying how much late starts cost.
Common examples
Frequently asked
How is this different from the FIRE calculator?
FIRE solves for an early-retirement target using a withdrawal rate. This one projects what your balance will be at a chosen age and compares to a target you set.
Should I include employer match?
Yes — add it to the monthly contribution. The 401(k) calculator does this for you.
Are taxes included?
No. Treat the output as a pre-tax projection. Tax-deferred and Roth balances behave differently in retirement.
Why does my number change a lot with small return tweaks?
Compounding over decades amplifies small rate differences — that's normal and a good reason to use conservative assumptions.
People also calculate
More money & work →Educational estimate only — not financial advice.