How much do I need to retire?

A common rule of thumb is 25× your expected annual spending (the basis of the 4% rule). This calculator estimates your projected balance so you can compare it against that target.

What return rate should I use?

Historically, a diversified stock-heavy portfolio has averaged about 7% after inflation over the long term; a balanced portfolio closer to 5%. These are long-run averages, not guarantees — try a range.

The 4% rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your balance in the first year of retirement, then adjusting for inflation, with a high probability the money lasts 30 years. It is a guideline, not a guarantee.

Does this account for inflation?

Yes. We show both the nominal projected balance and its value in todays dollars using the inflation rate you set.

No. Calculations happen in your browser and nothing is stored or sent to a server.

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Retirement Savings Calculator for Age 40

Retirement Savings Calculator for Age 40

Starting at age 40? See how your savings could grow by retirement and what monthly income that supports.

This version is preset for someone age 40. Starting at 40 gives you roughly 25 years of compounding before a typical retirement age of 65 — adjust any field to match your plan.

Other versions: at Age 25 at Age 30 at Age 35 at Age 40 at Age 45 at Age 50 at Age 55 at Age 60 ← Retirement Savings Calculator (default)

Your details

Current age Retirement age

Current retirement savings

Monthly contribution

Expected return

Inflation

≈ / month at the 4% rule

In today's dollars

Years to grow

Where the balance comes from

Contributed: Growth:

How to Use

1
Enter your age. Add your current age and the age you plan to retire.
2
Add your savings. Enter your current retirement balance and how much you contribute each month.
3
Set assumptions. Adjust the expected annual return and inflation rate (defaults shown).
4
Review your result. See your projected balance, inflation-adjusted value, and estimated monthly income.

Calculation Method

This calculator projects your balance using the future-value formula for a lump sum plus a series of regular contributions:

FV = P(1 + r)ⁿ + C × [((1 + r)ⁿ − 1) / r]

P = current savings
C = annual contribution (monthly × 12)
r = expected annual return
n = years until retirement

The today's-dollars figure discounts the result by your inflation rate: FV ÷ (1 + i)ⁿ. Estimated monthly income applies the 4% safe-withdrawal rule (4% of the balance, divided by 12).

Examples

Example. A 35-year-old with $50,000 saved, contributing $600/month, retiring at 65, assuming a 7% return: the projected balance is roughly $1.34M (about $4,470/month under the 4% rule), or roughly $550,000 in today's dollars at 3% inflation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Disclaimer: Calculations are projections based on the assumptions you provide and are for informational purposes only. They are not financial, tax, or investment advice. Investment returns are not guaranteed. Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) before making retirement decisions.

Data source: Historical market averages (illustrative). 4% safe-withdrawal rule (Bengen / Trinity study).