Retirement Calculator · Practical guide
How Much Should I Have Saved for Retirement by Age?
Salary-multiple benchmarks give you a quick pass/fail check at every age — and the math to catch up if you are behind.
At a glance
The Standard Benchmarks
A common guideline (popularized by Fidelity) says you should have saved 1x your salary by 30, 3x by 40, 6x by 50, 8x by 60, and 10x by age 67. On a $75,000 salary, that means $75,000 at 30, $225,000 at 40, $450,000 at 50, and $750,000 at 67. These multiples assume you want to maintain roughly your current lifestyle and retire at 67.
Interactive tool
Retirement Calculator
Enter your own values, then compare the result with the examples below.
Retirement Projection
Benchmarks on a $75,000 Salary
| Age | Salary Multiple | Target Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 1x | $75,000 |
| 35 | 2x | $150,000 |
| 40 | 3x | $225,000 |
| 45 | 4x | $300,000 |
| 50 | 6x | $450,000 |
| 55 | 7x | $525,000 |
| 60 | 8x | $600,000 |
| 67 | 10x | $750,000 |
Behind the Benchmark? Here Is the Catch-Up Math
Compounding rewards early starters, but the required monthly savings is knowable at any age. To reach $1 million by 65 at a 7% annual return, starting from zero, takes about $820 per month from age 35 but roughly $1,920 per month from age 45. Starting at 25 needs only about $380 per month for the same goal — which is why the benchmarks ramp the way they do.
Treat Benchmarks as a Compass, Not a Verdict
The multiples assume average spending and a full Social Security benefit. If you plan to spend less, carry a pension, or retire later, your personal target is lower; an expensive lifestyle or early retirement pushes it higher. Enter your actual age, savings, and contribution in the calculator above to see your own projected nest egg and whether it clears the 25x-expenses threshold for the retirement you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these benchmarks count home equity?
No. The salary multiples refer to invested retirement savings in 401(k), IRA, and brokerage accounts. Home equity can help by lowering retirement housing costs, but it does not generate withdrawable income unless you sell or borrow against it.
What if I started saving late?
The required monthly contribution climbs steeply with each lost decade, but catch-up is possible. Maximize 401(k) and IRA contributions, use age-50 catch-up provisions, and consider working a few extra years, which both adds savings and shortens the retirement you must fund.
Is 10x salary really enough at 67?
For a typical household, 10x salary plus Social Security replaces roughly 70-80% of pre-retirement income under the 4% rule. High earners or big spenders may need 12x or more; frugal retirees can manage with less.
How often should I check my progress?
Once a year is enough for most people. Markets move the number month to month, so judge yourself against the trend over several years rather than any single snapshot.