Calculate how much you can safely withdraw from your retirement portfolio each year. The 4% rule (4% SWR) is the classic benchmark — but the right rate depends on your horizon and portfolio.
Retirement Portfolio
Find your sustainable withdrawal rate
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Your Withdrawal Rate
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Max Safe Annual Withdrawal
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Your Rate
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4% Rule Withdrawal
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Portfolio Lasts
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End Portfolio Value
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Portfolio Value
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Annual Expenses
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Withdrawal Rate
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Safe Rate (historical)
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4% Rule Max Withdrawal
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Your Annual Withdrawal
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Surplus / Shortfall vs 4% Rule
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Projected End Balance
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FAQ
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% Rule (from the Trinity Study, 1998) states that you can withdraw 4% of your portfolio annually (adjusted for inflation) and have a 95%+ success rate of not running out of money over a 30-year retirement. Based on 50% stocks / 50% bonds.
Can I use a higher withdrawal rate?
3.5-4% is historically safe for 30 years. For shorter retirements (15-20 yrs), you might use 4.5-5%. For very long retirements (40-50 years, FIRE), many planners recommend 3-3.5%. It also depends on your asset allocation.
What is portfolio sequence risk?
Sequence of returns risk is retiring into a bear market — even if average returns are fine, bad returns early in retirement deplete your portfolio before markets recover. This is why flexible spending and portfolio buffers are valuable strategies.
Should I adjust for inflation each year?
Yes! The 4% rule assumes inflation-adjusted withdrawals. In year 1 you withdraw $40K; in year 2 you withdraw $40K × (1 + inflation). Most retirement calculators use this "real" withdrawal approach to maintain constant purchasing power.