Retirement Withdrawal Calculator

See how long your savings last when you withdraw a set amount each year, and what you can withdraw safely.

Formula explained below

The total you start with

Taken at the start of the first year; it rises with inflation

After fees, on what is left invested

Raises your withdrawal each year

Used for the balance left and the sustainable amount

Your money lasts

24 years 11 months

Balance left after the planned years
$0
First-year withdrawal that lasts the planned years
$34,760
That is this share of your savings
4.3449%

A first-year withdrawal of about $34,760.00 would use up your savings over 30 years under these assumptions.

Calculation breakdown

StepFormulaResult
Balance after the first year($800,000.00 − $40,000.00) × (1 + 5%)$798,000
Sustainable first-year withdrawalLevel real withdrawal that empties the account in 30 years at 5% return and 3% inflation$34,760

How it works

Enter your savings, the first year’s withdrawal and your assumptions for return and inflation.

Balance next year = (Balance − Withdrawal) × (1 + Return)Withdrawal next year = Withdrawal × (1 + Inflation)

Worked example

$100,000 of savings, $20,000 withdrawn a year, with no return and no inflation:

  1. Year 1: 100,000 − 20,000 = 80,000
  2. After 3 years: $40,000 is left
  3. The money lasts exactly 5 years

With a 0% return, the sustainable withdrawal over 5 years is 100,000 ÷ 5 = $20,000.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How long will my retirement savings last?

Each year the calculator takes your withdrawal out of the balance, then grows what is left by your return. It raises the next withdrawal by inflation and repeats until the money is gone. $100,000 with $20,000 withdrawals and no growth lasts 5 years.

How is a sustainable withdrawal worked out?

It is the first-year amount that, rising with inflation each year, empties the account exactly at the end of the planned years. With a 0% return, $200,000 over 20 years is $10,000 a year.

Is there a safe withdrawal rate?

No single rate is guaranteed. The sustainable share depends on your return, inflation and how long you need the money. Use the output as one scenario, and try lower returns and higher inflation as a stress test.

Does the calculator include taxes or Social Security?

No. It works with before-tax withdrawals and does not include Social Security, pensions or other income. Taxes on withdrawals from pre-tax accounts reduce what you can spend.

Why does my money last more than 100 years?

If your yearly return is high enough to cover your withdrawals and inflation, the balance never runs out. The calculator stops counting at 100 years.

Compound InterestGrowth of savings over timeInflationWhat an amount is worth in another month, by CPISavingsReach a savings goal403(b)Project your 403(b) balance with IRS limits

A scenario for information only, not investment advice. Real returns and inflation vary from year to year, and the order of returns matters.