Finance

Safe Withdrawal Rate Calculator

Determine how much you can safely withdraw from your retirement portfolio annually without running out of money.

Portfolio Information

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Assumptions

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Plan Sustainable Retirement Income

The safe withdrawal rate (SWR) determines how much you can withdraw from your portfolio each year without depleting your savings. Our calculator analyzes multiple withdrawal strategies—conservative, standard, and variable—to help you plan retirement income that lasts.

What is Safe Withdrawal Rate?

Safe Withdrawal Rate (SWR) is the percentage of your portfolio you can withdraw annually with high confidence your money will last throughout retirement. The famous '4% rule' from the Trinity Study found that 4% withdrawals historically sustained portfolios for 30+ years, though modern research suggests flexibility improves outcomes.

Safe Withdrawal Rate Formula

SWR = (Annual Withdrawal ÷ Portfolio Value) × 100

Why Calculate Your Safe Withdrawal Rate?

Retirement Security

Ensure your savings last throughout retirement without running out.

Income Planning

Know exactly how much you can spend each year in retirement.

Risk Management

Balance spending needs against market volatility and longevity risk.

How to Use the SWR Calculator

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Withdrawal Strategy Scenarios

Conservative (3%)

Maximum safety for long retirements or uncertain markets.

Standard (4%)

Classic 4% rule—balanced approach backed by historical data.

Variable Rate

Adjusts based on retirement length—higher rates for shorter periods.

Dynamic Strategy

Reduce withdrawals in down years, increase in good years.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 4% rule remains a useful guideline but isn't guaranteed. It's based on historical US market returns and 30-year retirements. For longer retirements, consider 3-3.5%. For shorter periods, 4.5-5% may be appropriate.