Calculator
Retirement Withdrawal Calculator
Estimate how long retirement savings may last based on annual withdrawals and expected annual return.
Result
Estimated years savings may last
42 years
Remaining balance after estimate
$0.00
How to use this calculator
What this calculator does
Estimate how long retirement savings may last based on annual withdrawals and expected annual return.
How to use it
Enter your retirement savings, annual withdrawal, and annual return, then review the result, formula, example, and FAQs below. Try a few scenarios to see which inputs move the result most.
What the result means
Use the result as a direct calculation from the values you entered. If it looks off, check the inputs and formula shown on this page.
Browse more retirement calculators for related estimates and comparisons.
Retirement results are estimates for planning and education. They are not financial advice and do not account for every market, tax, fee, inflation, pension, health, benefit-timing, or personal factor.
Scenario guidance
When to use this
Use this when testing a simple withdrawal plan against a starting balance and return assumption.
Example scenario
A retiree wants to compare how a $35,000, $40,000, or $45,000 annual withdrawal changes the estimated duration of savings.
Inputs that usually matter most
- Retirement savings, because it sets the starting balance.
- Annual withdrawal, which controls how quickly the balance is reduced.
- Annual return, because investment growth may offset some withdrawals.
Common mistake to avoid
Do not assume withdrawals, returns, taxes, inflation, and market timing will stay smooth every year.
How to interpret the result
Use the result as a rough durability estimate, then review taxes, inflation, required distributions, fees, and spending changes separately.
Results are estimates for planning and education. They are not financial advice.
Formula
The calculator simulates each year by applying annual growth to the remaining balance and subtracting the entered withdrawal amount.
Example withdrawal estimate
$800,000 in savings with a $40,000 annual withdrawal and 4% annual return lasts for about 42 years in this simplified simulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the estimate capped at 100 years?
The cap keeps the simplified simulation practical when withdrawals are very low compared with savings and expected growth.
Does this account for inflation?
No. The withdrawal amount stays fixed in the simulation. Model inflation and spending changes separately.
Related Calculators
Retirement Income Gap Calculator
Estimate the annual and monthly gap between desired retirement income and expected income sources.
FIRE Number Calculator
Estimate a financial independence target from annual expenses and an assumed withdrawal rate.
Retirement Savings Projection Calculator
Project how current retirement savings and monthly contributions could grow under a stated return assumption.