Retirement Corpus Calculator
How much do you need for retirement? This calculator factors in inflation, post-retirement return rate. And life expectancy to tell you the real corpus you need. And the monthly SIP to build it.
Methodology. Future monthly expenses at retirement = current × (1+inflation)^(years to retirement). Corpus needed = present value of annuity required to cover inflation-adjusted expenses for (life – retirement) years at post-retirement real return (post return minus inflation). Monthly SIP to build corpus uses standard SIP compounding formula. Assumes continuous inflation at given rate. Real-world planning should include lumpy expenses (medical, weddings) and insurance costs separately.
How the corpus is worked out
- Inflate today’s expenses to your retirement year: future expense = current expense × (1 + inflation)years to retirement.
- Fund those expenses for your retirement years, with the corpus earning a post-retirement return while expenses keep rising with inflation. The gap between the two (the real return) decides how big the corpus must be.
- Back-solve the monthly SIP needed to build that corpus at your expected pre-retirement return.
Worked example
A 30-year-old spending ₹50,000 a month today, retiring at 60 and planning for 25 years of retirement, with 6% inflation and a 7% return after retirement:
- Monthly expense in the first year of retirement: about ₹2.87 lakh (₹34.5 lakh a year).
- Corpus needed at 60: about ₹7.7 crore.
- Monthly SIP needed from today at a 12% return: about ₹21,900.
The numbers look large because 30 years of 6% inflation multiplies costs almost six-fold. Starting ten years later roughly triples the SIP required.
Inputs that move the answer most
- Inflation: 6% is a reasonable general assumption; healthcare inflation in India runs higher.
- Post-retirement return: a balanced portfolio of 6.5–8% is realistic; a 100% FD portfolio may not beat inflation after tax.
- Life expectancy: plan to at least 85, and 90 if your family lives long.
Count EPF, PPF and NPS balances you already have — they reduce the SIP needed. For the full framework read how much money you need to retire, and if you want to stop working early, see FIRE corpus maths for India.
FAQs
Is the 4% withdrawal rule safe in India?
It was built on US inflation and returns. With higher Indian inflation, 3–3.5% is a safer starting withdrawal rate.
Should I include rent?
Yes, unless you will own your home outright by retirement.
How do I draw income after retiring?
Many retirees use a systematic withdrawal plan; test one with the SWP calculator.
Figures last checked October 2026. Calculator results are estimates; actual lender, fund or tax outcomes can differ.