The right retirement calculator depends on the question you are trying to answer. The 2026 401(k) contribution limit is $23,500 and the IRA limit is $7,000. Social Security pays an average of $1,978 per month in 2026. Whether you want to know if you are saving enough, how your accounts will grow, or when you can stop working, there is a specific tool for each question. Use the guide below to find the right one.
Which Retirement Calculator Do You Need?
Am I saving enough to retire?
→ Retirement Savings Calculator
Enter your age, current savings, income, and target retirement age to see whether you are on track. The calculator shows the gap between where you are and where you need to be, and how much more per month you would need to save to close it. Built around the 4% withdrawal rule and adjustable for Social Security income.
How much retirement income will I have?
→ Retirement Income Calculator
Estimates the monthly income you can expect from all sources — 401(k) and IRA withdrawals, Social Security, pensions, and other savings. Use this after the savings calculator to translate your nest egg into a monthly number you can compare to your expected expenses.
How much will my 401(k) grow?
Projects your 401(k) balance at retirement based on your current balance, contribution rate, employer match, and expected return. Also shows the tax-deferred growth advantage versus a taxable account. Includes a balance-by-age breakdown so you can see your progress at 50, 55, 60, and 65.
Should I use a Roth or traditional IRA?
→ Roth vs. Traditional IRA Calculator
Compares after-tax retirement wealth under both account types based on your current and expected future tax rates. Most people benefit from Roth accounts if they expect to be in the same or higher tax bracket in retirement. The calculator handles the math so you do not have to guess.
How much will my Roth IRA be worth?
Projects your Roth IRA balance at retirement based on current balance, annual contributions, and time horizon. Because Roth withdrawals are tax-free, this calculator also shows the after-tax equivalent value compared to a traditional account — which is often significantly higher.
How much will Social Security pay me?
Estimates your monthly Social Security benefit at ages 62, 67 (full retirement age), and 70 based on your earnings history and claiming age. Delaying from 62 to 70 can increase your monthly benefit by up to 76%. Use this alongside the retirement income calculator to see the full picture.
How much must I withdraw from my IRA each year?
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73 under current law. Failing to take the correct RMD triggers a 25% excise tax on the shortfall. Enter your account balance and age to get your exact RMD amount for 2026.
When can I retire early?
Calculates your financial independence date based on your savings rate and current net worth. Also models lean FIRE, fat FIRE, and coast FIRE scenarios. Incorporates the 4% safe withdrawal rate and adjusts for early retirement periods that may exceed 40 years.
How much will my annuity pay?
Estimates monthly income from a fixed or variable annuity based on premium, age, and payout period. Useful for comparing a lump-sum annuity purchase against keeping money invested and drawing it down yourself.
How much will my HSA grow?
Projects your Health Savings Account balance through retirement based on annual contributions and investment growth. HSAs are triple tax-advantaged — contributions are pre-tax, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. After 65 you can withdraw for any purpose (subject to ordinary income tax, like a traditional IRA).
How much will my 403(b) or pension be worth?
→ 403(b) Calculator | Pension Benefits Calculator
The 403(b) calculator works the same as the 401(k) calculator and is designed for teachers, nurses, and nonprofit employees. The pension benefits calculator estimates your monthly defined-benefit pension payment based on years of service, final salary, and your plan’s benefit multiplier.
Key 2026 Retirement Numbers at a Glance
| Figure | 2026 Amount |
|---|---|
| 401(k) / 403(b) contribution limit | $23,500 |
| 401(k) catch-up (age 50–59, 64+) | +$7,500 (total $31,000) |
| 401(k) catch-up (age 60–63, SECURE 2.0) | +$11,250 (total $34,750) |
| IRA contribution limit | $7,000 |
| IRA catch-up (age 50+) | +$1,000 (total $8,000) |
| Roth IRA phase-out (single) | $150,000 – $165,000 MAGI |
| Roth IRA phase-out (married filing jointly) | $236,000 – $246,000 MAGI |
| Average Social Security benefit (2026) | $1,978/month |
| Maximum Social Security benefit at FRA (2026) | $4,018/month |
| Full retirement age (born 1960 or later) | 67 |
| RMD start age | 73 |
| HSA contribution limit (self-only, 2026) | $4,300 |
| HSA contribution limit (family, 2026) | $8,550 |
How to Use a Retirement Calculator: Step-by-Step
- Start with the savings calculator. Get a target nest egg number based on your expected retirement spending and Social Security income.
- Run the income calculator. Translate your projected account balances into a monthly income stream to see if it covers your expenses.
- Check your 401(k) and IRA growth. Model how much your current accounts will be worth at retirement at different contribution rates.
- Factor in Social Security. Use the Social Security calculator to pick the optimal claiming age — this decision alone can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over a 20–30 year retirement.
- Account for RMDs. If you have a traditional 401(k) or IRA, run the RMD calculator at 73 to understand mandatory withdrawals and their tax impact.
Worked Example: Is $85,000-a-Year Earner on Track at 45?
Inputs: Age 45, salary $85,000, current 401(k) balance $180,000, contributing 10% ($8,500/year) with a 4% employer match ($3,400/year), targeting retirement at 67.
Savings calculator result: To replace 75% of pre-retirement income ($63,750/year), minus estimated Social Security of $2,200/month ($26,400/year), this person needs to draw $37,350/year from savings. At the 4% rule, that requires a nest egg of $933,750.
401(k) growth calculator result: With $180,000 today, contributing $11,900/year total (employee + employer) at a 7% annual return over 22 years, the projected 401(k) balance at 67 is approximately $1,021,000 — slightly above target.
Conclusion: This person is on track, assuming consistent contributions and a 7% average return. Increasing the contribution rate to 12% would build a $50,000–$60,000 buffer for healthcare and sequence-of-returns risk.
What a Retirement Calculator Cannot Tell You
No calculator can predict market returns, inflation, tax law changes, or healthcare costs. Use these tools to set a target and check your progress — not as a guarantee. Consider working with a fee-only financial planner if you are within 10 years of your target retirement date, have a pension, or own a small business.
For more retirement planning guidance, see the Retirement Planning Guide, How Much Do I Need to Retire?, and Am I On Track for Retirement?.
All figures reflect 2026 IRS limits and Social Security Administration data. Contribution limits and benefit amounts are adjusted annually.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy