Retirement Gap Calculator

This Retirement Gap Calculator helps you estimate whether your projected retirement income will meet your desired annual retirement spending. It models portfolio growth, converts a projected portfolio into sustainable annual withdrawals, and compares that to guaranteed income sources such as pensions and Social Security.

Results are scenario estimates, not guarantees. Use conservative assumptions and review outcomes with a qualified financial professional before making major decisions.

Updated Nov 22, 2025

Calculation method

Projects your retirement portfolio at retirement, converts that to a sustainable annual withdrawal, and compares to desired income plus guaranteed sources.

Inputs

Current age

Min 18 · Max 100

Planned retirement age

Min 50 · Max 80

Assumed life expectancy (age)

Min 65 · Max 120

Current annual pre-tax income

Min 0 · Max 10000000

Current retirement savings

Min 0 · Max 100000000

Your planned annual retirement contribution

Min 0 · Max 2000000

Employer match (percent of salary)

Min 0 · Max 20

Expected annual return before retirement (nominal %)

Min -5 · Max 20

Expected annual return in retirement (nominal %)

Min -5 · Max 20

Expected inflation rate (annual %)

Min 0 · Max 10

Desired annual retirement income (before tax)

Min 0 · Max 5000000

Estimated annual pension income

Min 0 · Max 1000000

Estimated annual Social Security

Min 0 · Max 200000

Assumed safe withdrawal rate (%)

Min 0.1 · Max 10

Advanced inputs

Personal & income

Current age

Min 18 · Max 100

Planned retirement age

Min 50 · Max 80

Current annual pre-tax income

Min 0 · Max 10000000

Savings & contributions

Current retirement savings

Min 0 · Max 100000000

Your planned annual retirement contribution

Min 0 · Max 2000000

Employer match (percent of salary)

Min 0 · Max 20

Assumptions

Expected annual return before retirement (nominal %)

Min -5 · Max 20

Expected inflation rate (annual %)

Min 0 · Max 10

Assumed safe withdrawal rate (%)

Min 0.1 · Max 10

Retirement income goals

Desired annual retirement income (before tax)

Min 0 · Max 5000000

Estimated annual pension income

Min 0 · Max 1000000

Estimated annual Social Security

Min 0 · Max 200000

Results

Updates as you type

Projected portfolio at retirement

$1,360,409.55

Annual income from portfolio

$54,416.38

Total projected annual retirement income

$74,416.38

Annual income shortfall

-$14,416.38

Required portfolio to meet desired income

$1,000,000.00

Output	Value	Unit
Projected portfolio at retirement	$1,360,409.55	currency
Annual income from portfolio	$54,416.38	currency
Total projected annual retirement income	$74,416.38	currency
Annual income shortfall	-$14,416.38	currency
Required portfolio to meet desired income	$1,000,000.00	currency

Primary result$1,360,409.55

Visualization

Points

Methodology

Projections use deterministic formulas for future value of savings and a constant withdrawal-rate approach to convert a portfolio into annual income. Assumptions include nominal returns, inflation, and employer matches. Where possible the calculator adjusts returns for inflation to show real purchasing power.

Inputs are user-supplied. The tool does not perform probabilistic Monte Carlo simulations; it provides transparent, auditable arithmetic so you can see how each assumption affects outcomes. For production and data handling, follow NIST cybersecurity guidance for protecting personal inputs; for development, adhere to IEEE software best practices and ISO quality controls.

Worked examples

Example 1: Age 45, retire at 67, current savings $200,000, contribute $12,000/year, expected return 6%: the calculator projects a portfolio and shows how much annual income that portfolio can sustainably provide at a 4% withdrawal rate.

Example 2: If you have a pension and Social Security totaling $20,000/year, the tool subtracts those sources before computing the remaining gap to be funded by your portfolio.

Further resources

External guidance

Expert Q&A

How accurate are the results?

This tool provides deterministic estimates based on user inputs and simplifying assumptions. It does not predict market returns or lifespan. Results are sensitive to the return, inflation, and withdrawal-rate assumptions. Use multiple scenarios and consult a licensed financial advisor for personalized planning.

Should I use nominal or real return assumptions?

You may enter nominal return expectations and an inflation rate. The calculator derives a real return internally. For purchasing-power comparisons use real returns; for nominal dollar outcomes use nominal returns.

How should I treat guaranteed income like a pension?

Enter expected annual amounts from pensions and Social Security as reliable income sources. If amounts are uncertain, run scenarios with lower and higher estimates to measure sensitivity.

How is my personal data handled?

This calculator is intended for client-side use only. If you submit or store inputs, follow NIST SP 800-series recommendations for securing sensitive data. Do not enter personally identifying information beyond numeric assumptions.

Are there industry standards referenced?

Yes. For software quality and risk management we reference IEEE and ISO best practices. For handling and protecting data, see NIST guidance. For workplace and organizational safety policies consult OSHA where applicable.

Sources & citations

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) — https://www.nist.gov
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) — https://www.iso.org
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) — https://www.ieee.org
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) — https://www.osha.gov
Social Security Administration — https://www.ssa.gov