Retirement Withdrawal Calculator (4% Rule)

The 4% rule says you can withdraw 4% of your savings in the first year of retirement, then raise that dollar amount with inflation, and your money has historically lasted about 30 years.

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Savings at retirement$First-year withdrawal rate%The classic “4% rule.”Years it must lastyearsExpected return%/yrInflation%

First-year withdrawal at 4%$40,000$3,333 a month, then raised with inflation

At your expected return, that lasts: 37 years
Most you could take to last exactly 30 years: $46,262/yr (4.6%)

The 4% rule comes from historical U.S. market studies of 30-year retirements. It is a starting point, not a guarantee; many retirees adjust spending after bad market years.

Estimates only, not financial, tax, or investment advice.

When to use a different rate

A lower rate (3–3.5%) is more cautious for retirements that start early or may last more than 30 years. A slightly higher rate can work if you are willing to cut spending after bad years or have a large pension or annuity covering basics.

Common questions

What is the 4% rule?

Withdraw 4% of your savings in the first year of retirement, then increase that dollar amount each year with inflation. Historically it lasted at least 30 years in most U.S. market periods.

Is the 4% rule still safe?

It is a reasonable starting point for a 30-year retirement. For a longer retirement or if you want more certainty, many planners use 3–3.5%, or adjust spending after poor market years.

Official 2026 figures from: IRS: 2026 401(k) and IRA limits (IR-2025-111) · IRS: Catch-up contributions · IRS: Required minimum distributions · IRS: Publication 590-B (Uniform Lifetime Table) · IRS: Rev. Proc. 2025-19 (2026 HSA limits) · SSA: 2026 COLA fact sheet · CMS: 2026 Medicare premiums and deductibles · SSA: Cost-of-living adjustment history · BEA: Regional Price Parities by state (2024 data)