How Much Will I Have Saved by Retirement?
Enter your current savings, monthly contribution, expected return, and years to retirement — see your projected balance and the power of starting early.
Why starting early makes such a big difference
Retirement savings grow through compound interest — your returns earn returns. The earlier you start, the more time each dollar has to compound. Ten extra years of growth can double your final balance even if you never increase your contributions.
Employer match is essentially a 100% return on the matched amount from day one. Always contribute at least enough to capture the full match before investing elsewhere.
Example retirement projections at 7% annual return
Monthly compounding. No starting balance.
Start at 25
$300/mo · 7% · 40 years
$787,000
Total contributed: $144,000
Start at 30
$500/mo · 7% · 35 years
$900,000
Total contributed: $210,000
Start at 35
$1,000/mo · 7% · 30 years
$1,220,000
Total contributed: $360,000
Frequently asked questions
What is a realistic annual return rate?
The S&P 500 has historically returned around 10% annually before inflation. Some planners use 6–7% as a conservative long-term estimate — your actual returns will vary based on your investments and market conditions.
How much should I save per month?
A common guideline is to save 15% of your gross income for retirement, including any employer match.
What is compound growth?
Compound growth means your returns earn returns. The longer your money is invested, the more powerful this effect becomes — even small monthly contributions add up significantly over decades.
Does this calculator include state income tax?
Yes — select your state from the optional dropdown to estimate state income tax on your projected balance at withdrawal. The estimate assumes a full lump-sum withdrawal, which is an approximation; your actual tax will depend on how and when you withdraw. Eight states have no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
Disclaimer: For illustrative purposes only. Does not account for inflation, Social Security, or investment fees. State tax estimate assumes full lump-sum withdrawal (approximation — actual tax depends on withdrawal strategy and state rules). Past market returns do not guarantee future results.
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Related Guides
How Much Should You Save for Retirement?The 4% rule, savings rate benchmarks, and age-based milestones.What Is a 401(k)?How 401(k) contributions, employer matching, and Roth vs traditional work.What Is Compound Interest?Why starting early makes such a dramatic difference to retirement savings.How Does Inflation Erode Your Savings?Why cash loses value over time and what you can do about it.