FreeByte

Retirement shortfall calculator

The gap between plan and target.

Built and reviewed by Dovanic, Founder and editor, FreeByteLast reviewed: 2026-08-18
$
$
$
6%

Surplus

$3,388

Extra needed monthly

$0

With these inputs, surplus comes to $3,388 over 20 years. The result assumes return stays at 6%.

Projected pot
$1,203,388
Target
$1,200,000

Over time · by years

What moves the number · Surplus

Input−10%Now+10%
Target pot$123,388$3,388$116,612
Current pot$66,126$3,388$72,902
Monthly contribution$47,437$3,388$54,212
Return$109,489$3,388$129,262
Years$157,191$3,388$184,386

Solve for an input

Whatmakesequal

Compare scenarios

Save this set of inputs, change something, then save again to compare the outcomes side by side.

The gap between plan and target.

A worked example

Starting figures

Target pot
$1,200,000
Current pot
$210,000
Monthly contribution
$1,100
Return
6%
Years
20

What it returns

Surplus
$3,388
Extra needed monthly
$0
Projected pot
$1,203,388
Target
$1,200,000

How to read the results

With the defaults above, surplus works out at $3,388.

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