Savings Rate Calculator
Your savings rate is the single biggest driver of when you can retire. Calculate it — and the rough years to financial independence it implies.
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Where you land
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Learn moreThe number that matters most
Your savings rate does double duty: every dollar saved is a dollar invested and a dollar of spending you no longer need to fund. That’s why a higher rate slashes the years to financial independence so dramatically — far more than chasing higher returns.
How it’s calculated & sources
Savings rate = amount saved ÷ take-home income. For the rough FI timeline, we target 25× your annual spending and grow your savings at a 5% real return until you reach it.
Benchmark: the U.S. personal saving rate is around 4–5% (BEA). Raising your rate is the most powerful lever on early financial independence.
Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized financial, tax, medical or legal advice. Verify with a professional.
Worked example
Saving $14,000 of $70,000 take-home is a 20% savings rate — on the simple model, roughly 30 years to financial independence. Push to 40% and it drops toward 20 years.
Frequently asked questions
Gross or take-home income?
Either works if you’re consistent, but take-home is more intuitive for the FI math since it reflects what you actually live on.
Why does a higher rate help so much?
It raises savings and lowers the spending you must replace, shrinking your target nest egg at the same time — a double effect on the timeline.