What this calculator does
In retirement, savings usually fill the gap between what you spend and what Social Security, a pension or other income pays. Enter your savings, your yearly spending, your other income, and your own guesses for returns, inflation and taxes, and the calculator shows how much you take out each year, how the balance changes and the age when the money would run out.
How it is worked out
Each year, starting at the age you enter: spending grows with inflation, other income grows by the rate you enter, and the gap between them is taken from savings, increased to cover the tax on the withdrawal. What is left grows at your return. Example: $600,000 at 65, spending $60,000 a year with $24,000 of Social Security, both rising 3% a year, a 5% return and 12% tax on withdrawals. The first year takes about $40,909, a 6.8% withdrawal rate, and the savings last until about age 82.
Ways to make savings last longer
- Delaying Social Security raises the monthly benefit for life; the claiming age calculator compares the ages.
- A lower first-year withdrawal rate leaves more room for bad years in the market.
- Spending a little less in years when investments fall can help.
- Traditional 401(k) and IRA withdrawals are taxed, and required minimum distributions start at age 73 or 75 depending on your birth year.
Frequently asked questions
How long will my retirement savings last?
It depends on how much you take out each year compared with your savings, your returns and inflation. The calculator shows the age for the numbers you enter; try lower returns to see a safer plan.
What withdrawal rate is safe?
No rate is guaranteed. The lower your first-year withdrawal rate, the longer savings tend to last, especially if returns are poor early in retirement.
Does Social Security rise with inflation?
Benefits get a yearly cost-of-living adjustment set by the Social Security Administration: 3.6% for 2027. Enter your own assumption for future years.
Is my information saved?
No. The numbers stay on this page.