401(k) Withdrawal Calculator: Monthly Income in Retirement
Work out the monthly income a 401(k) balance can provide in retirement, and how long the account will last as it is drawn down.
Adjust the inputs and select Calculate for a full breakdown.
Compare Common Scenarios
How the numbers shift across typical situations for this calculator:
| Scenario | Monthly income | Total drawn | Growth while drawing |
|---|---|---|---|
| $600k · 5% · 30yr | $3,220.93 | $1,159,534.71 | $559,534.71 |
| $300k · 4% · 25yr | $1,583.51 | $475,053.16 | $175,053.16 |
| $1M · 6% · 30yr | $5,995.51 | $2,158,381.89 | $1,158,381.89 |
| $450k · 5% · 20yr | $2,969.80 | $712,752.20 | $262,752.20 |
How This Calculator Works
Enter the 401(k) balance at retirement, the return you expect the remaining balance to earn, and the number of years the money must last. The calculator finds the fixed monthly withdrawal that draws the account down to zero at the end of the period.
The Formula
Fixed-Period Drawdown
PV = savings pot, r = monthly rate (annual ÷ 12), n = number of monthly payments
Worked Example
A $600,000 401(k) earning 5% over a 30-year retirement supports about $3,221 a month before tax. Withdrawals total roughly $1.16 million over the period, with growth on the balance supplying most of the difference.
Key Insight
These figures are pre-tax. Withdrawals from a traditional 401(k) are taxed as ordinary income, and from a set age required minimum distributions force a minimum withdrawal each year — so the spendable income is lower than the figure shown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 401(k) withdrawals taxed?
Withdrawals from a traditional 401(k) are taxed as ordinary income. The monthly figure here is pre-tax, so the spendable amount is lower.
What are required minimum distributions?
From a set age, the IRS requires a minimum amount to be withdrawn from a traditional 401(k) each year. This calculator does not enforce that minimum.
What return should I assume in retirement?
Retirement portfolios are usually more conservative than during working years. A rate between cash and a balanced portfolio is common; lower is more cautious.
What if I withdraw before retirement age?
Withdrawals before the qualifying age can trigger an early-withdrawal penalty on top of income tax. This calculator models drawdown in retirement.
What happens when the period ends?
The balance is fully drawn down and withdrawals stop. To avoid running out, choose a period that comfortably covers your expected retirement length.
Related Calculators
Data Sources & Benchmarks
This calculator draws on 3 independent, dated sources. The starting values for expected annual return are taken from the benchmarks below and refresh whenever the snapshots are updated.
Methodology & Review
The monthly withdrawal is the fixed amount that draws the 401(k) balance to zero over the period, with the balance earning a steady return. Figures are pre-tax and exclude required minimum distribution rules.
Written by Ugo Candido · Last updated May 17, 2026.