Retirement Readiness Calculator
Score retirement readiness by comparing projected savings against a retirement target.
- Last reviewed
- August 26, 2026
- Cost
- Free to use
- Data
- Runs in your browser
- Reviewed by
- Anton Jonson
Readiness Score
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Projected Savings
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Target
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Gap
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Status
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Methodology
How this calculator handles inputs
This calculator uses the values you enter above and applies the formula explained in the guide below. Results update in the browser and are intended for quick planning, comparison, and sanity-checking.
- Use consistent periods, currencies, and units across inputs.
- Review any assumptions before using the result in a decision.
- Recalculate when rates, prices, tax rules, or business terms change.
Important note
This tool provides general planning information only. It is not tax, legal, financial, accounting, or investment advice. Check the current rules for your location and speak with a qualified professional before making a high-stakes decision.
Guide
How it works
Use this calculator to score retirement readiness by comparing projected savings with a target amount.
What this calculator does
The retirement readiness calculator projects savings to retirement age and compares the result with your target. It turns the result into a readiness score and status label.
It uses:
- current age
- retirement age
- current savings
- monthly contribution and target amount
Retirement Readiness Formula
Readiness Score = (Projected Savings ÷ Target Amount) × 100
Where:
- Projected Savings = future value of savings and contributions
- Target Amount = desired retirement balance
- Readiness Score = percentage of target covered
- Gap = target amount minus projected savings
Example calculation
If:
- Target amount = 1,500,000
- Projected savings = 1,200,000
- Readiness score = 1,200,000 ÷ 1,500,000 × 100
- Readiness score = 80%
Then:
- Status = Nearly There
- Gap = 300,000
- The plan is close but under target
- More saving or more time may be needed
The readiness score is 80%.
What is retirement readiness?
Retirement readiness measures how prepared you are for retirement based on projected assets versus a target. It is a simple way to summarize progress.
Why retirement readiness matters
- turns a long-term plan into a clear score
- highlights whether action is needed
- helps compare scenarios quickly
- supports annual retirement reviews
When to use this calculator
- checking progress toward a retirement target
- reviewing contribution levels
- comparing retirement ages
- preparing for a financial planning discussion
Common mistakes
- treating the score as a guarantee
- setting a target without expense planning
- ignoring inflation and taxes
- checking readiness too rarely
Retirement readiness vs retirement shortfall
Retirement readiness is a percentage score. Retirement shortfall is the money gap below the target.
Both are useful for understanding the same retirement plan.
FAQs
What is retirement readiness?
Retirement readiness is a measure of projected savings compared with a retirement target.
How do you calculate retirement readiness?
Divide projected savings by the target amount and multiply by 100.
What is a good retirement readiness score?
A score of 100% or more means projected savings meet or exceed the target.
What is the difference between readiness and shortfall?
Readiness is a percentage. Shortfall is the amount of money still missing.
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