The 4% rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your portfolio in year one, then adjusting for inflation each year.
The Trinity Study found a 4% withdrawal rate had a 95% success rate over 30 years with a 60/40 stock/bond portfolio.
This calculator earns its keep at decision points: before accepting a loan, comparing investment platforms, or negotiating salary. The difference between the headline figure and the true cost or return is only visible with accurate arithmetic.
A frequent error is using annual rates where monthly rates are required (or vice versa). Simply dividing an annual rate by 12 is only an approximation — the correct conversion for compound calculations uses the (1 + r)^(1/12) − 1 formula.
An employee receives a counter-offer from another employer: a £4,000 salary increase but no pension contribution versus the current role's lower salary with 8% employer pension. Running both through the finance calculator shows the true net financial value of each offer.
Research suggests 3.5–4% remains reasonable. Some argue for lower rates given current bond yields.
CalcPlanet – Free Online Calculators
725+ free calculators and 108 tools for math, money, health, and everyday life. Instant results, verified formulas, no sign-up.
By CalcPlanet Editorial · Reviewed against our Editorial Standards and Formula Sources.
CalcPlanet calculators are free, privacy-first, and formula-reviewed.
Editorial Standards · Formula Sources · Privacy · Terms · Contact
