How Much Do I Need to Retire?
Enter the monthly income you want in today's money, your age and when you'd like to stop working. This calculator estimates the retirement pot you'll need — adjusted for inflation — and how much to invest each month to get there. It works in any currency.
How the number is worked out
There are three steps. First, your target income is inflated to your retirement date — $4,000 today is worth far more in nominal terms in 30 years. Second, the calculator sizes the pot that can pay that inflated income for a 25-year retirement, using a real (after-inflation) return during the drawdown. Third, it solves the monthly investment that grows to that pot by your retirement age at your expected return. Starting earlier lowers the monthly figure sharply, because compounding has more time to work.
The 4% rule, in one line
A popular shortcut: you need roughly 25× your desired annual spending, because withdrawing about 4% a year (adjusted for inflation) has historically lasted around 30 years. It's a useful sanity check against the calculator's figure — but it assumes a specific portfolio and withdrawal pattern, so treat it as a guide, not a guarantee.
Levers that change your target
- Start age — the single biggest lever. Beginning ten years earlier can roughly halve the monthly amount required.
- Target income — a lower retirement lifestyle cuts the pot proportionally.
- Return — a higher long-term return lowers what you must save, but don't assume an unrealistic figure.
- Inflation — higher inflation inflates the income you'll need and enlarges the target.
Worked example
A 30-year-old wanting $4,000/month in today's money, retiring at 60, at an 8% return and 4% inflation, needs a pot of about $2.46m (because $4,000 today is about $12,970/month in 30 years) and should invest roughly $1,640/month to get there. Adjust the inputs above for your own plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to retire?
Enough to fund your desired income for the length of your retirement. A rough check is ~25× your annual spending; the calculator gives a figure tailored to your income target, timeline, return and inflation.
What is the 4% rule?
Withdraw about 4% of the pot in year one and adjust for inflation after — historically it lasted ~30 years, implying a pot of ~25× first-year spending. A starting point, not a promise.
Why is the number so big?
Inflation makes future income cost far more than today, and the pot must last decades. Starting to invest earlier is the most powerful way to shrink the monthly amount required.
Grow your monthly investment
See how a fixed monthly amount compounds over time in your currency.
Open the retirement calculator →Related calculators
Sources
Method uses standard time-value-of-money formulas (future value of contributions, present value of a drawdown annuity) and the widely cited 4% withdrawal guideline. Returns and inflation are assumptions, not guarantees; markets vary. Figures are estimates, not financial advice — consult a qualified adviser for personal decisions. See our methodology and editorial policy.