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- Shows how many years and months your savings last at a given withdrawal.
- Includes investment growth and yearly increases in withdrawals for inflation.
- Finds the withdrawal that lasts exactly the number of years you need.
- Gives a year-by-year balance table so you can see the money run down.
How to use the calculator
Enter your savings
The amount you start with, such as a retirement balance or a lump sum.
Enter your withdrawal
How much you take out each month or each year.
Set growth and increases
Your expected yearly return, and how much you raise withdrawals each year to keep up with inflation.
Read the result
See how long the money lasts, the date it runs out, and the withdrawal that would last your target number of years.
How it is calculated
The calculator runs a simple simulation one month (or one year) at a time. Each period it takes your withdrawal out first, then adds investment growth on what is left. Once a year it raises the withdrawal by the increase you set. It stops when the balance reaches zero.
Key formulas
Monthly growth rate i = (1 + annual return)^(1/12) − 1
Balance next month = (balance − withdrawal) × (1 + i)
Withdrawal that lasts forever = balance × i ÷ (1 + i)
Withdrawals are taken at the start of each period, which is slightly more cautious than taking them at the end.
Example 1: $500,000 with inflation increases
$3,000 a month, 5% yearly return, withdrawals rising 3% a year.
- Money lasts about 16 years, 5 months
- First-year withdrawals $36,000
Raising withdrawals each year for inflation shortens how long the money lasts by several years.
Example 2: the same, with flat withdrawals
$500,000, $3,000 a month, 5% return, no increases.
- Money lasts about 23 years, 2 months
- With a 0% return instead about 13 years, 11 months
Investment growth adds almost a decade compared with keeping the money in cash.
Example 3: $1 million, yearly withdrawals
5% return, no increases.
- $40,000 a year never runs out (growth covers it)
- $60,000 a year about 33 years
The withdrawal that lasts forever at 5% with start-of-year withdrawals is about $47,619 a year.
Where this calculator helps
Retirement planning
Check whether your nest egg will last through retirement at your planned spending.
Lump sums and inheritances
See how long a windfall lasts if you draw a regular income from it.
Early retirement (FIRE)
Test different withdrawal rates and returns before you leave work.
Safe spending
Find the monthly amount that lasts exactly the number of years you need.
This is an estimate, not financial advice. Real returns change from year to year, and a run of poor returns early in retirement can shorten how long savings last. Taxes and fees are not included unless you lower the return to account for them. For bigger decisions, speak with a licensed financial adviser. You can also project growth with the compound interest calculator, plan contributions with the 401(k) calculator, or count down to your date with the retirement countdown calculator.
How long will my money last FAQ
How long will $1 million last in retirement?
It depends on spending and returns. At a 5% return with no increases, $40,000 a year never runs out, while $60,000 a year lasts about 33 years. Enter your own numbers to see your result.
What is the 4% rule?
It is a guideline that withdrawing about 4% of savings in the first year, then adjusting for inflation, has historically lasted around 30 years. It is a starting point, not a guarantee.
Should I include inflation?
Yes, if you want your spending power to stay the same. Raising withdrawals about 2% to 3% a year is a common assumption.
What return should I use?
Use a cautious long-term figure after fees. Many people test a few values, such as 4%, 5% and 6%, to see the range of outcomes.
Does it include taxes?
No. Enter the amount you withdraw before tax, or reduce the return to allow for taxes and fees.
What does “final withdrawal is partial” mean?
In the last period there is not enough left for a full withdrawal, so the calculator takes whatever remains.