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How Much Do I Need to Retire?

How much do I need to retire, and am I on track?

Updated Free, no sign-upRuns in your browser

$/yr
In today's dollars, before tax.
$/mo
Your estimate is in your my Social Security account.
$
401(k), IRAs and other investments for retirement.
$
Include any employer match.
Returns, inflation and withdrawal rate
% a year
% a year
% a year
4% is the classic rule of thumb; lower is safer for long retirements.

You need to have saved

$900,000

By 67, in today's dollars, to add $36,000 a year to Social Security.

You're on course for
$696,995
Shortfall
$203,005
Save this much more a month
$295
Income your savings would give
$51,880/yr

Retirement Calculator by Dollars World ·Open the full version

Your savings on the way to retirement

In today's dollars. The line across marks your target.

How it works

Start with the yearly income you want, take off what Social Security will pay, and you have the gap your savings must fill. A withdrawal rate turns that gap into a savings target:

Savings needed = (income wanted − Social Security) ÷ withdrawal rate

The calculator then grows your savings and monthly contributions to your retirement age at your return minus inflation, so everything stays in today's dollars and your contributions rise with prices.

Worked example

You're 35, want $60,000 a year from 67, and expect $2,000 a month from Social Security. That leaves $36,000 a year to cover, so at a 4% withdrawal rate you need $900,000.

With $50,000 saved and $800 a month going in at 6% (3.4% after inflation), you're on course for $696,995: short by $203,005. Saving about $295 more a month would close the gap.

Or work until 70: Social Security pays 124% of the full-retirement-age benefit if you wait, three more years of saving and growth help, and you'd be $45,118 ahead.

Things to know

  • Check your Social Security estimate. It's based on your actual earnings record and is free in your my Social Security account.
  • The 4% rule is a guide, not a promise. It comes from research on past U.S. market returns over 30-year retirements. Retiring early or wanting more certainty points to a lower rate.
  • Remember healthcare and taxes. Withdrawals from traditional accounts are taxed, and healthcare costs before Medicare at 65 can be significant.

Questions people ask

How much should I save for retirement each month?

Whatever closes your gap above. Many people aim to save around 15% of pay, including an employer match. The 401(k) calculator shows how a match adds up.

What if I want to retire early?

You'll need a bigger pot and no Social Security for a while. The FIRE calculator is built for that.

Sources

Reviewed September 26, 2026 by The Dollars World team. How we build and check our calculators · Our data and formulas. This is general information, not financial advice.

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