Best Retirement Calculators to Plan Your Future

Planning for retirement used to be something people thought about in their 50s or 60s. But with rising living costs, uncertainty about pensions, and longer life expectancies, it’s more important than ever to start planning early. Retirement planning isn’t just about saving—it’s about knowing how much you’ll need, how long your money will last, and how to adjust your financial habits to reach your goals.

That’s where retirement calculators come in. These tools take your income, savings, investments, and retirement goals and give you an estimate of whether you’re on track. They can reveal if you need to save more, invest differently, or adjust your retirement expectations. The good news? You don’t have to be a financial expert to use them.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best retirement calculators available in 2025, their features, and which one is right for your financial situation. Whether you’re just starting your savings journey or fine-tuning your plan in your final working years, the right calculator can help you plan a secure future.

Why You Should Use a Retirement Calculator

Many people assume that if they save regularly and invest wisely, they’ll automatically have enough to retire comfortably. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. Retirement calculators help you:

• Understand your savings gap — They show if your current savings rate is enough.

• Test different scenarios — You can adjust savings rates, investment returns, or retirement ages to see how it affects your plan.

• Plan for inflation and expenses — They account for the rising cost of living over time.

• Prevent running out of money — They help ensure your savings will last for your entire retirement.

Without a calculator, you’re guessing. With one, you’re making decisions based on realistic projections.

Fidelity Retirement Score Calculator

Best for: Quick and simple retirement readiness check

Fidelity’s Retirement Score Calculator is ideal for people who want a fast, visual snapshot of their retirement readiness.

Key Features:

• Simple input fields for age, income, savings, and desired retirement age.

• Provides a “retirement score” showing how prepared you are.

• Suggests adjustments to improve your score.

• Option to create a full retirement plan with a Fidelity account.

Pros:

• Very easy to use.

• Great for beginners.

• Takes less than five minutes to complete.

Cons:

• Limited customization for complex financial situations.

• Doesn’t integrate non-Fidelity investments unless entered manually.

If you want a quick reality check on whether you’re on track, this is a great place to start.

Vanguard Retirement Nest Egg Calculator

Best for: Simple withdrawal strategy planning

Vanguard’s Retirement Nest Egg Calculator focuses on one key question: will your money last through retirement?

Key Features:

• Estimates how long your portfolio will last based on your withdrawal rate.

• Lets you adjust investment allocation and expected return rates.

• Shows results as a probability of success.

Pros:

• Great for testing withdrawal strategies.

• Very straightforward interface.

• Free to use.

Cons:

• Doesn’t provide a full savings roadmap.

• Best for people already close to retirement.

If you’re nearing retirement and want to know if your nest egg can sustain your lifestyle, this is an excellent tool.

Empower (Formerly Personal Capital) Retirement Planner

Best for: Comprehensive long-term retirement planning

Empower’s Retirement Planner is one of the most robust calculators available, offering deep insights into your entire financial life.

Key Features:

• Links directly to your accounts for real-time projections.

• Adjusts projections based on spending habits, investment performance, and inflation.

• Allows scenario testing for big life changes like moving or downsizing.

• Provides a detailed cash flow forecast for retirement years.

Pros:

• Fully automated updates.

• Extremely detailed and customizable.

• Free to use for core features.

Cons:

• May feel overwhelming for beginners.

• Users may get calls from Empower financial advisors.

If you want a professional-grade tool that keeps your plan updated automatically, this is one of the best options.

SmartAsset Retirement Calculator

Best for: Easy-to-use calculator with personalized guidance

SmartAsset’s Retirement Calculator balances simplicity and detail, making it a good choice for people who want personalized results without too much complexity.

Key Features:

• Calculates retirement savings needs based on income, lifestyle, and location.

• Considers taxes, inflation, and Social Security benefits.

• Offers the option to connect with financial advisors.

Pros:

• Very user-friendly.

• Offers regional cost-of-living adjustments.

• Visually appealing charts and graphs.

Cons:

• Limited investment strategy recommendations.

• Advisor referrals may not appeal to everyone.

This is a great choice for those who want clear, customized results without deep investment analysis.

NewRetirement PlannerPlus

Best for: People who want a highly detailed, customizable plan

NewRetirement’s PlannerPlus is designed for serious planners who want to control every detail of their retirement plan.

Key Features:

• Allows detailed input for income sources, pensions, real estate, and expenses.

• Projects future income, expenses, and net worth.

• Tests various “what if” scenarios.

• Considers healthcare costs, taxes, and inflation.

Pros:

• Extremely detailed.

• Suitable for complex retirement situations.

• Great for people planning early retirement (FIRE movement).

Cons:

• Paid subscription for full features.

• Takes longer to set up.

If you want a deep dive into every aspect of your retirement plan, this is one of the most thorough tools available.

T. Rowe Price Retirement Income Calculator

Best for: Conservative, income-focused retirement planning

T. Rowe Price offers a retirement calculator that focuses on income replacement needs.

Key Features:

• Estimates how much annual income you’ll need in retirement.

• Considers Social Security, pensions, and investments.

• Adjusts for inflation.

Pros:

• Conservative, realistic projections.

• Easy to understand results.

• Good for traditional retirement planning.

Cons:

• Not as customizable as others.

• Best for those who prefer a traditional retirement age and income model.

If you want a conservative view of your retirement readiness, this calculator is a reliable choice.

How to Choose the Best Retirement Calculator for You

The right retirement calculator depends on your goals, comfort with complexity, and how much detail you want.

• If you want quick, simple results: Fidelity Retirement Score or Vanguard Nest Egg Calculator.

• If you want automated, detailed planning: Empower Retirement Planner.

• If you want a balance of detail and simplicity: SmartAsset Retirement Calculator.

• If you want maximum customization: NewRetirement PlannerPlus.

• If you prefer conservative estimates: T. Rowe Price Retirement Income Calculator.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Retirement Calculator

• Be honest with your numbers—overestimating returns or underestimating expenses can give you false confidence.

• Run multiple scenarios to see how different retirement ages, savings rates, and investment returns affect your results.

• Revisit your plan at least once a year to account for changes in your finances and goals.

• Factor in inflation and rising healthcare costs.

• Use results as a guide, not a guarantee—future market conditions can change projections.

Final Thoughts: A Retirement Plan That Works for You

Retirement calculators are powerful tools for turning vague dreams into specific, actionable plans. They give you clarity on where you stand, what adjustments you need to make, and how to stay on track.

Whether you’re decades away from retirement or only a few years out, starting today means you’ll be better prepared tomorrow. The right calculator can help you take control of your financial future and retire with confidence.