Retirement Payday — Free Retirement Calculator
Will your 401(k) and retirement savings last through retirement? Use this free calculator to find out. Enter your age, savings, and contributions to get year-by-year projections, see when your funds could run out, and explore what-if scenarios — all without creating an account.
How Long Will Your Savings Last?
This calculator projects your retirement savings year by year, showing exactly when your money could run out or confirming it will last your entire retirement. Adjust your contribution rate, retirement age, and expected expenses to see how small changes today lead to big differences later.
Why Retirement Planning Matters
The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more time compound growth has to work in your favor. Even modest contributions in your 20s and 30s can grow into substantial savings by retirement age, because each year's gains generate their own returns in the years that follow.
One of the biggest risks in retirement planning is outliving your savings. With life expectancies rising, many retirees need their funds to last 25 to 30 years or more. Without a clear plan, it's easy to underestimate how much you'll need.
Small changes can make a big difference. Increasing your 401(k) contribution by just 1% — or delaying retirement by a year or two — can add tens of thousands of dollars to your lifetime savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What information do I need to use this calculator? You'll need your current age, retirement savings balance, annual salary, and 401(k) contribution percentage. For best results, also estimate your yearly expenses in retirement. You can find your current 401(k) balance on your plan provider's website or your most recent quarterly statement.
Should I include my partner's income? Yes, if you're planning retirement together. Toggle "Include Partner Income" to add their salary and contributions for a combined household projection.
Understanding the Results
How long will my retirement savings last? This calculator answers exactly that by projecting your savings year by year. Enter your current age, savings, contributions, and expected retirement expenses to see precisely when your funds might run out — or confirm they'll last your entire retirement.
What does "Funds Depleted At" mean? This shows the age when your retirement savings would run out based on current projections. "Never" means your funds should last beyond age 125.
What is "Peak Assets"? This is the highest value your retirement savings will reach, typically occurring right around your retirement date before you start withdrawing funds.
Improving Your Outlook
What can I do if my funds are projected to run out? Consider increasing your contribution percentage, delaying retirement by a few years, reducing planned retirement expenses, or adding a partner's contributions.
How much difference does delaying retirement make? Delaying even 2–3 years can significantly impact your projection because you gain extra years of contributions and investment growth, while reducing the number of years you'll need to withdraw.
Calculator Assumptions
How accurate are these projections? This calculator provides estimates based on consistent annual growth and inflation rates. Real markets fluctuate. Use this as a planning tool, not a guarantee. Consider consulting a certified financial planner for personalized advice.
Does this include Social Security? No, this calculator focuses on personal retirement savings. Social Security would be additional income. Learn more at the Social Security Administration.
How is employer match calculated? By default, your employer matches 50% of your contributions up to 6% of your salary. Employer match formulas vary widely, so check your specific plan documents or ask your HR department.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making retirement decisions. Learn more about retirement accounts at the IRS Retirement Plans page.