How Long Will My Money Last Calculator
Enter your savings, how much you plan to withdraw each month, the return you expect and how fast your spending will rise with inflation. The calculator simulates every month to show how long the money lasts.
- Your money lasts
- 17 years, 3 months
- Total withdrawn
- $762,648.57
- Sustainable 4% rule withdrawal
- $1,666.67/month
Worked example
Example: $500,000, withdrawing $3,000/month, 5% return, 2.5% inflation
- Each month the balance grows ~0.41% and $3,000 is withdrawn
- Every year the withdrawal rises 2.5% ($3,075, $3,152 …)
- The balance reaches zero after about 17 years and 3 months
Your money lasts about 17 years.
Formula
Balanceₜ₊₁ = Balanceₜ × (1 + r) − Withdrawalₜ
r = (1 + annual return)^(1/12) − 1
Without inflation and with level withdrawals there is a closed form: n = −ln(1 − B·r ÷ W) ÷ ln(1 + r). We simulate instead so inflation can be included.
Frequently asked questions
How long will $1 million last in retirement?
Withdrawing $4,000/month (about 4.8% a year) with a 5% return and withdrawals rising 2.5% a year, roughly 29–30 years. At $6,000/month, about 17 years.
What is the 4% rule?
Withdraw 4% of your savings in year one and raise it with inflation; historically this lasted about 30 years for a balanced portfolio.
Should I include Social Security?
Subtract expected Social Security and pensions from your monthly spending to get the withdrawal you need from savings.
Is this financial advice?
No. Results are estimates for planning and education. Rates, taxes and lender rules vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed financial professional.
Last reviewed October 17, 2026 · Calculations run in your browser; nothing you enter is sent to a server.