About the Social Security Retirement Estimator
Estimate your Social Security retirement benefit from your date of birth and this year's earnings. The calculator works out your monthly benefit at 62, at your full retirement age and at 70, or from the date you plan to retire, in today's dollars.
It estimates your past earnings the way Social Security's Quick Calculator does and gives the same amounts, then shows the earnings it assumed, year by year, so you can see where the estimate comes from. For your exact figure, check the statement in your Social Security account.
How it works
Your benefit depends on your 35 highest years of earnings. Since the calculator doesn't see your record, it estimates it: each past year is this year's earnings scaled by the national average wage index for that year, and a further 2% lower for each year back, because pay usually rises faster than average over a career. Someone born in 1970 earning $60,000 now is assumed to have earned $9,200 at 22, in 1992.
Each year's earnings are indexed to the year you turn 60 and the best 35 are averaged by month. That average goes through Social Security's benefit formula, using the bend points of the year you turn 62, to give your full benefit, the primary insurance amount.
Starting before full retirement age reduces the benefit for life by 5/9 of 1% a month for the first 36 months and 5/12 of 1% after that; waiting adds 2/3 of 1% a month up to 70. For the example above, that is $1,413 a month starting at 62 and 1 month, $2,107 at 67 and $2,679 at 70.
Assumptions and limits
- Today's dollars: no future increases in prices or earnings, and you keep earning the same amount every year until benefits start.
- All your past earnings are assumed to be covered by Social Security; years of work for some state and local governments or railroads are not.
- You need 40 credits, about 10 years of work, for retirement benefits. Spouse, disability and survivor benefits are not included.
Worked examples
Born June 15, 1970, earning $60,000
$1,413 a month at 62 and 1 month, $2,107 at full retirement age 67 and $2,679 at 70.
A retirement date
Born April 12, 1968, earning $72,000 and retiring in August 2033: $2,025 a month from age 65 and 4 months.
Already stopped working
Born May 5, 1962, with $65,000 in 2023 as the last year of work: $1,650 a month starting at 64 and 5 months in 2026.
How to use the Social Security Retirement Estimator
- Enter your date of birth. You must be at least 22.
- Enter this year's earnings. Or 0, with your last year of work and its earnings.
- Read your estimates. At 62, full retirement age and 70, or from your retirement date.
Frequently asked questions
How much Social Security will I get?
It depends on your earnings history and when you start. Someone born in 1970 who earns $60,000 a year can expect about $2,107 a month at full retirement age, $1,413 if starting at 62 and $2,679 at 70, in today's dollars.
What is my full retirement age?
It is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later, and between 66 and 67 for people born from 1955 to 1959. At full retirement age you get your full benefit; starting earlier lowers it for life, and waiting until 70 raises it.
Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or wait?
Waiting gives a larger monthly benefit for life: about 30% less at 62 and about 24% more at 70 than at 67. Starting early can still make sense if you need the income or don't expect a long retirement, so compare the amounts with your plans.
How are my past earnings estimated?
From this year's earnings, the national average wage index and a 2% a year relative growth, as Social Security's Quick Calculator does. Open 'See the earnings we used' to check them; if they differ a lot from your record, your actual benefit will differ too.
How many credits do I need for Social Security?
You need 40 credits for retirement benefits. In 2026 you earn one credit for each $1,890 of earnings, up to four a year, so about 10 years of work is enough. With very low earnings the calculator tells you if you may not qualify.
This tool runs entirely in your browser. What you enter or upload stays on your device and is never sent to our servers.