Retirement Savings Calculator

How long will your money last?

See exactly how long your retirement savings will last, given your withdrawal amount and expected return — with a chart showing your balance over time.

Your numbers

Adjust anything — results update as you go.

$
$
%
Lasts indefinitely
60+ yrs
your money lasts at least this long
At this withdrawal rate, your growth outpaces your spending — your balance doesn't run out within 60 years; it holds steady or keeps growing.
Projected balance

Estimates only, based on a constant annual return and constant withdrawals — real markets don't move in a straight line. Not financial advice.

How this calculator works

We project your current balance forward month by month: each month it grows by your expected return, then your withdrawal comes out. If growth consistently outpaces withdrawals, the balance holds steady or keeps growing — otherwise, we find the exact age it hits zero.

Worked example

At $1,000,000 saved, withdrawing $45,000/year, with a 5% expected annual return starting at age 60: growth (roughly $50,000/year at 5%) slightly outpaces the withdrawal, so the balance holds — a small change in either number can flip that balance the other way, which is exactly why it's worth checking your own numbers above rather than relying on a rule of thumb.

Still building toward retirement?

If you haven't retired yet and want to know what you need invested today to reach your number, see our Coast FIRE calculator or the general FIRE calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate how long my retirement savings will last?

Start with your current balance, then subtract your annual withdrawal while adding investment growth each year. If growth outpaces withdrawals, the balance can last indefinitely; if withdrawals outpace growth, it depletes at a calculable age. This calculator runs that projection month by month with your own numbers.

What withdrawal rate is 'safe' so my money doesn't run out?

The traditional guideline is a 4% initial withdrawal rate (adjusted for inflation each year), based on historical market returns holding up over a 30-year retirement. This calculator uses a fixed nominal withdrawal for simplicity — try lowering your withdrawal amount or raising your expected return to see how the runway changes.

Is this the same as a Coast FIRE calculator?

No — a Coast FIRE calculator answers "what do I need invested today to reach my number by retirement, with no more contributions." This calculator answers the opposite-direction question: "once I'm withdrawing from savings, how long does the balance actually last?" Use our Coast FIRE calculator while you're still accumulating; use this one once you're drawing down.

What if my money is projected to run out before I expect it to?

Try adjusting the inputs: a lower annual withdrawal, a higher expected return (if your portfolio allocation supports it), or a larger starting balance all extend the runway. Delaying retirement to build a larger balance first is another common lever.