Retirement calculator
United States · 2026 rates
Also for Canada
Also for United KingdomEstimate how much you could have saved by retirement, what it is worth in today's dollars, and how much yearly income it could support.
Year-by-year growth
| Age | Contributed | Growth | Balance |
|---|
How your retirement savings grow
Each month your contributions and your employer's match are added and invested. Investment gains are reinvested, so the earlier you start, the more time compounding has to work.
Example
A 35-year-old with $30,000 saved who puts in $500 a month, with a $250 employer match, could have about $1,033,868 at 67 with a 6% yearly return. That is $318,000 contributed and $715,868 of growth. With 2.5% inflation, it would buy about what $469,139 buys today.
2026 contribution limits
| Account | 2026 limit | Extra if you are 50 or older |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans | $24,500 | $8,000 catch-up ($11,250 at ages 60 to 63) |
| IRA (traditional or Roth) | $7,500 | $1,100 catch-up |
Frequently asked questions
What is the 4% rule?
It is a rule of thumb that withdrawing about 4% of your savings in the first year, then adjusting for inflation, has historically lasted about 30 years. It is a starting point, not a guarantee.
Does this include Social Security?
No. Social Security benefits come on top of your own savings. You can see your estimated benefit by creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov.
What return should I assume?
Nobody knows future returns. Many planners test a range, such as 4% to 7% a year for a diversified portfolio, before fees. Try a few rates to see how the result changes.
For illustration only. Investments can lose value, and fees and taxes reduce growth.
Last checked and updated: October 2026