Updated · Built and checked by the PlinzoTools team, formulas tested against published sources
Project your retirement savings balance from current savings, monthly contributions, and expected return.
Interest earned: $491306.76
$691306.76
This projects your retirement savings balance using the same recurring-contribution growth math as the general Savings Calculator, framed specifically for retirement planning. It also covers the identical "Retirement Savings Goal Calculator" question when solved in reverse -- for that direction (starting from a target and solving for the contribution needed), see the Savings Goal Calculator.
Enter your current retirement savings, planned monthly contribution, expected annual rate of return, and years until you plan to retire.
Future Value = Current Savings × (1 + r)n + Monthly Contribution × (((1 + r)n − 1) ÷ r)
where r = monthly rate (annual rate ÷ 12) and n = number of months
This is a single-scenario projection using a constant assumed rate of return -- real markets don't return a steady rate every year, so treat this as a planning estimate, not a guarantee. For account-specific modeling (employer match, contribution limits), see the 401k Calculator or IRA Calculator instead.
The output is only as realistic as the four numbers you feed it. Small changes compound over decades, so it pays to think about each one.
A useful habit is to change one input at a time. Using hypothetical figures, take $20,000 saved, $400 a month, and 30 years. Try a 5% return, then 7%, then 9%. The gap between them will be large, which shows how sensitive the projection is to a number nobody can know in advance. Then hold the return at 7% and raise the contribution by $100 a month. Comparing the two experiments tells you whether saving more or hoping for better returns moves the result further, and only one of those is under your control.
Because growth compounds, money contributed early has more years to grow than money contributed late. Running the tool twice, once with 35 years and once with 25 years at the same monthly amount, illustrates this. The shorter timeline needs a much larger monthly contribution to reach a similar balance. This is an effect of the math, and it is why even modest contributions in your twenties can matter.
A projected balance is not the same as retirement income. To gauge what it could support, pair it with the Retirement Withdrawal Calculator, which applies a withdrawal rate to a nest egg. Also remember that pre-tax accounts are taxed when withdrawn, and that Social Security or pension income may add to what you draw from savings.
A fee-only financial planner can build a plan that accounts for your taxes, accounts, and risk tolerance. This page is for education, not personalized advice.
Historical long-term stock market averages are commonly cited around 7-10% before inflation, but future returns are never guaranteed -- consider using a conservative estimate for planning purposes.
No -- this projects nominal (not inflation-adjusted) future value; your real purchasing power at retirement will be lower than the raw dollar figure shown here after accounting for inflation over the years.
Use a return assumption net of expected inflation, sometimes called a real return. For example, if you expect 7% nominal growth and 3% inflation, entering roughly 4% gives a result in something closer to today's purchasing power.
Yes, if you want the combined effect. Add your own contribution and the employer's to get the total monthly deposit. The 401k Calculator can model the match directly.
Growth compounds over many years, so a difference of one or two percentage points is applied to a growing balance for decades. That is why testing several rates is wise.
This tool assumes contributions continue for the whole period. To approximate a stop, run the calculation with contributions for the earlier years, then use that ending balance as the new starting savings with zero contribution.
Reference: Social Security Administration