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Retirement & Investing

Safe Withdrawal Calculator

Estimate a starting annual and monthly retirement withdrawal from a portfolio using a withdrawal-rate assumption.

Starting portfolio withdrawal
Change the inputs and calculate.
Portfolio / month
Total annual income
Portfolio after year-one withdrawal
Withdrawal rate

Calculation breakdown

Starting portfolio
Annual portfolio withdrawal
Other annual income
Total monthly income

What a withdrawal rate means

A withdrawal rate is the percentage of the starting portfolio used to set an initial annual retirement withdrawal. A 4% input on a $1 million portfolio produces a $40,000 starting withdrawal. Real retirement plans also need to consider inflation adjustments, taxes, investment returns, fees and spending flexibility.

A “safe” rate is not universally safe. Retirement length, asset allocation and market sequence can materially change outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

Is 4% always safe?

No. The 4% rule is a historical planning guideline, not a guarantee.

Does this calculator increase withdrawals for inflation?

No. It calculates the starting withdrawal only.

Should Social Security be added to the portfolio withdrawal?

You can enter other annual retirement income separately so it is shown in total income.

Results are estimates for informational purposes only. Verify important financial, tax, real-estate or investment decisions with a qualified professional.