Best Retirement Calculator 2026
Not all retirement calculators are the same. The difference between a Monte Carlo tool and a linear-projection tool can be the difference between a plan that's 65% likely to succeed and one that's 90% likely to succeed — with the same inputs.
Quick calculator (linear projection)
This is a linear projection tool — useful for a quick estimate. For sequence-of-returns testing, use FIRECalc (free) or ProjectionLab (free tier). Why this matters →
Retirement Savings Calculator
Linear projection — for probability-of-success modelling, see our Monte Carlo guide.
Not financial advice. This is a linear projection tool — actual returns vary. For sequence-of-returns analysis, use a Monte Carlo tool. Sources: IRS.gov (contribution limits), SSA.gov (Social Security data).
Best free retirement calculators
FIRECalc (free)
Historical sequence testing since 1871. Runs your plan through every historical 30-year period. If it survives 1929, 1966, and 2000, you have meaningful historical confidence. No registration required.
Best for: FIRE community, historical sequence testing, no-registration quick check
ProjectionLab (free tier)
Monte Carlo simulation available in the free tier — rare. Cleaner UI than FIRECalc. Upgrade to Premium ($109/yr) for full features.
Best for: Monte Carlo in a polished UI, FIRE scenarios, scenario comparison
Fidelity Retirement Score
Linear projection, not Monte Carlo. Good starting estimate; does not model sequence risk. Useful for a first number but not a planning tool.
Best for: First estimate, Fidelity account holders getting started
Vanguard Retirement Nest Egg Calculator
Linear projection. Clean and simple. Same caveat as Fidelity — does not model sequence risk. Good for a sanity check, not a plan.
Best for: Simple estimate, Vanguard account holders
The calculator vs planning tool distinction
A "calculator" gives you a number based on your inputs. A "planning tool" gives you a probability distribution based on thousands of simulated futures. The free tools in this list are calculators. FIRECalc and ProjectionLab free are planning tools. The paid tools (Boldin, Maxifi) are planning tools with a tax optimisation layer added.
Full explanation →