Free Financial Tool
Safe Withdrawal Rate Calculator
See if your withdrawal rate is sustainable, when your portfolio depletes, and what the 4% rule means for your specific situation.
Your Withdrawal Rate
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Portfolio Depletes
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Remaining at End
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Nominal Withdrawal Yr 10
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Nominal Withdrawal Yr 20
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Maximum Safe Annual Withdrawal
3.5% SWR (conservative)
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4.0% SWR (classic)
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Portfolio Depletion — 3 Return Scenarios
Pessimistic (return −2%), Base, Optimistic (return +2%)
How the Safe Withdrawal Rate Calculator Works
Each year, your withdrawal increases with inflation (maintaining real purchasing power). Your portfolio earns the assumed return. The calculator tracks when (if ever) the balance hits zero — capped at 100 years.
// Each year (cap at 100):
withdrawal_year_n = withdrawal_year_1 × (1 + inflation)^n
balance = balance × (1 + return) - withdrawal_year_n
if balance ≤ 0: depleted in year n
// Withdrawal rate:
SWR = annual_withdrawal / portfolio × 100%
≤ 3.5%
Very safe — high probability of lasting 40+ years
3.5–4.5%
Classic range — likely sustainable for 30 years
4.5–6%
Elevated risk — consider reducing spending
> 6%
Likely unsustainable — portfolio may deplete early
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 4% safe withdrawal rate?▾
The 4% rule (from the Trinity Study) states you can withdraw 4% of your initial retirement portfolio each year (adjusted for inflation) and have a high probability of the money lasting 30 years. For a $1M portfolio: $40,000/year or ~$3,333/month.
Is the 4% rule still valid?▾
The 4% rule remains a useful starting point, but many financial planners now suggest 3–3.5% for early retirees with 40–50 year horizons, given lower expected future returns and longer time horizons. With flexible spending, the 4% rule is still viable.
How long will my money last at 4% withdrawal?▾
At 4% withdrawal with 5% portfolio return and 3% inflation: a $1M portfolio lasts 40+ years. At 5% withdrawal: ~30 years. At 6% withdrawal: ~22 years. Higher returns or lower withdrawal rates extend portfolio longevity dramatically.
What withdrawal rate is too high?▾
Above 5% withdrawal rate carries elevated risk for most return assumptions. Above 6% is likely unsustainable for 30-year retirements. Traffic light guide: ≤3.5% = very safe, 3.5–4.5% = classic range, 4.5–6% = elevated risk, >6% = likely unsustainable.
What is the reverse withdrawal rate calculator?▾
Instead of entering a withdrawal amount, you enter your portfolio value and time horizon, and the calculator tells you the maximum sustainable annual withdrawal at 3.5% and 4% SWR. This lets you plan your spending based on what your portfolio can safely support.
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Example Scenarios — See the Real Numbers