Pensions & Retirement Calculators
Retirement planning is a 30-40 year project with three phases: accumulation, preservation, and distribution. Each phase has different rules, risks, and tax...
6 calculators available · Updated 2026-06-15
Retirement planning is a 30-40 year project with three phases: accumulation, preservation, and distribution. Each phase has different rules, risks, and tax treatments. The accumulation phase is about maximizing contributions and compound growth. The preservation phase is about asset allocation, withdrawal sequencing, and managing sequence-of-returns risk. The distribution phase is about required minimum distributions, Social Security claiming strategies, and tax-efficient withdrawal order. Pension calculators help you model each phase, stress-test assumptions, and decide when to claim Social Security, how to handle pension lump sums, and whether a Roth conversion makes sense.
How to choose the right retirement calculator
The 401(k) and IRA calculators model tax-deferred growth, employer match, and contribution limits. The pension calculator (defined benefit plans) estimates your monthly lifetime income based on years of service, salary history, and a multiplier formula. The Social Security calculator projects your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) based on your 35 highest-earning years and shows the impact of claiming at 62, full retirement age, or 70. The retirement withdrawal calculator models the 4% rule and other safe withdrawal rates through historical market scenarios. The pension lump sum vs. annuity calculator helps you decide between taking a one-time payout or monthly payments for life. The Roth conversion calculator shows the multi-year tax impact of moving money from traditional to Roth accounts.
U.S. retirement accounts: 401(k), IRA, and Roth
The 401(k) calculator uses current 2026 contribution limits ($23,500 employee, plus $7,500 catch-up if 50+), accounts for employer match (typically 50%-100% of contributions up to 3-6% of salary), and projects growth using your expected return rate. The Traditional IRA calculator models tax-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth, with the 2026 limit of $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+). The Roth IRA calculator shows tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals, subject to income limits ($150K-$165K MAGI for single filers in 2026, phase-out to $240K-$255K married). The SEP-IRA and Solo 401(k) calculators help self-employed individuals maximize contributions (up to $66,000-$69,000 in 2026 for Solo 401k). The Roth conversion calculator models a multi-year strategy to fill up lower tax brackets before RMDs begin at age 73.
Social Security, claiming age, and break-even
Social Security claiming age is one of the most consequential retirement decisions. At 62 you get 70-75% of your full retirement age (FRA) benefit; at FRA (67 for those born 1960+) you get 100%; at 70 you get 124-132%. The break-even calculator compares lifetime cumulative benefits at different claiming ages: claiming at 62 pays more cumulatively if you live to about 78-80; delaying to 70 pays more if you live past 80. For married couples, the survivor benefit adds complexity: the higher-earning spouse should usually delay to maximize survivor protection. The Social Security calculator uses your top 35 earning years (inflation-adjusted) and the bend points formula to compute your PIA, then models cumulative benefits across claiming ages.
Defined benefit pensions and lump sums
A defined benefit pension promises a monthly payment, usually based on a formula like (years of service) x (final average salary) x (1.5% to 2.5% multiplier). The pension calculator estimates your monthly benefit at retirement and the present value of the lifetime stream. The lump sum vs. annuity calculator helps you decide: taking a $400,000 lump sum invested at 6% might generate $24,000/year sustainable withdrawal, but a $3,000/month lifetime pension ($36,000/year) includes longevity protection and often a spousal survivor benefit. For UK workplace pensions, the pension input amount calculator tracks annual contributions against the £60,000 annual allowance (tapered for high earners), and the pension crystallisation calculator models the 25% tax-free lump sum option. For Chile (AFP), the calculator shows projected pension under each AFP provider based on your salary, contribution history, and expected retirement age.
Withdrawal strategies and the 4% rule
The 4% rule (Bengen, 1994) says you can withdraw 4% of your portfolio in year one, adjust for inflation each year, and historically not run out of money over 30 years. The retirement withdrawal calculator tests this rule against actual market sequences: the worst case was 1966 (a 4% withdrawal would have failed by 2030), but most 30-year periods survive. The guardrails strategy (Guyton-Klinger) lets you adjust withdrawals based on portfolio performance: cut 10% after a bad year, increase 5% after a good year. The RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) calculator applies IRS Uniform Lifetime Table divisors starting at age 73. The tax-efficient withdrawal order calculator models drawing from taxable accounts first, then tax-deferred, then Roth, to minimize lifetime taxes.
Most Popular Pensions & Retirement Calculators
Retirement
Total saved by retirement age.
401(k) Retirement Calculator — Project Your Future Balance
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement with employer matching and compound growth.
Pension Calculator — CalcxApp
Calculate your estimated monthly pension based on salary, years of service, and benefit multiplier.
Social Security Calculator — CalcxApp
Estimate your monthly Social Security benefits based on earnings, retirement age, and work history.
Pension Input Amount Calculator UK (2026) — Annual Allowance
Calculate your annual pension input amount to stay within the £60,000 annual allowance. 2026 rules.
Pension Crystallisation Calculator UK (2026) — Tax-Free Lump Sum
Calculate tax-free pension crystallisation in 2026. Estimate your PCLS, remaining fund & tax implications.
All Pensions & Retirement Calculators (6)
Retirement
Total saved by retirement age.
401(k) Retirement Calculator — Project Your Future Balance
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement with employer matching and compound growth.
Pension Calculator — CalcxApp
Calculate your estimated monthly pension based on salary, years of service, and benefit multiplier.
Social Security Calculator — CalcxApp
Estimate your monthly Social Security benefits based on earnings, retirement age, and work history.
Pension Crystallisation Calculator UK (2026) — Tax-Free Lump Sum
UKCalculate tax-free pension crystallisation in 2026. Estimate your PCLS, remaining fund & tax implications.
Pension Input Amount Calculator UK (2026) — Annual Allowance
UKCalculate your annual pension input amount to stay within the £60,000 annual allowance. 2026 rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to retire? ▾
A common rule: 25x your annual expenses in invested assets. If you spend $50,000 per year, target $1.25 million. The retirement calculator models your specific number based on current savings, contribution rate, expected return, and retirement age. Most planners recommend replacing 70-85% of pre-retirement income.
When should I claim Social Security? ▾
If you are in good health and have family longevity, delaying to 70 maximizes lifetime benefits. If you have health issues or a short life expectancy, claiming at 62 may be better. The break-even age is typically 78-80. For married couples, coordinate strategies to maximize the survivor benefit.
Roth or traditional 401(k)? ▾
Traditional if you expect lower tax rates in retirement; Roth if you expect higher rates or want tax-free withdrawals. Most planners recommend some of both. The Roth conversion calculator models filling lower brackets in low-income years (early retirement, between jobs) to reduce lifetime tax.
How do I avoid running out of money in retirement? ▾
The 4% rule works for most 30-year retirements. For longer retirements or conservative spending, use 3.5%. The guardrails strategy adjusts withdrawals based on portfolio performance. Diversifying income sources (Social Security, pension, portfolio, part-time work) reduces reliance on any single source.
Should I take my pension as a lump sum or annuity? ▾
Depends on your health, other income sources, and risk tolerance. The lump sum is better if you expect strong investment returns, have a shorter life expectancy, or want flexibility. The annuity is better for longevity protection, spousal survivor benefits, and psychological certainty. The lump sum vs. annuity calculator models both scenarios over your expected lifetime.
Sources & References
The formulas, definitions, and best-practice guidance in these pensions & retirement calculators are grounded in the following authoritative sources: