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4% Rule Calculator

4% Rule Calculator

The "4% rule" is a rule of thumb: withdraw 4% of your starting balance in year one, then increase that dollar amount with inflation every year after. Enter a starting balance to see the schedule, or a desired withdrawal to find the balance it requires (the "25× rule").

Required balance:

Withdrawal schedule

Year Withdrawal

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What do the symbols mean?

Balance Starting retirement portfolio balance
Rate Withdrawal rate applied in year one (4% in the original rule)
Inflation Annual rate the dollar withdrawal grows by, to preserve purchasing power

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