Project your Thrift Savings Plan balance at retirement using actual TSP fund historical performance. Get personalized projections based on since-inception fund averages and current contribution limits including SECURE Act 2.0 enhancements.
Calculation Methodology
TSP Fund Returns: This calculator uses actual TSP fund historical performance based on since-inception averages from TSP.gov
These calculations are based on a 26-period pay schedule.
- • All returns reflect complete fund history since establishment
- • Data sourced directly from official TSP fund performance reports
- • Includes impact of TSP fund management and administrative costs
- • Most comprehensive historical data available for long-term planning
- • Updated for SECURE Act 2.0 enhanced catch-up contributions
- • NEW: Includes diversification guidance for single fund allocations
An Important Note About L Funds:
The TSP Lifecycle (L) Funds provide built-in diversification, but their inner workings are not fully transparent. They are target-date funds designed around a single factor: age.
Because of this, they may not align with your individual goals, growth needs, or risk tolerance. While convenient, L Funds may not provide the right balance for your specific situation.
Please review carefully before proceeding.
Your Information
Basic Information
Current TSP Fund Balances
Lifecycle Funds (if applicable)
Future Contribution Strategy
Uncheck this if you want to change your future contribution allocation strategy
Important Assumptions
- • Fund allocation percentages remain constant
- • Returns based on TSP fund historical averages (since inception)
- • Contributions made consistently until retirement
- • No withdrawals or loans assumed
- • Agency matching included (1% automatic + up to 4% matching)
- • TSP contribution limits updated annually per IRS guidelines
- • SECURE Act 2.0 enhanced catch-up contributions included
- • Diversification guidance provided for single fund allocations
Understanding the 4% Rule
The financial planner’s 4% rule of thumb is a guideline suggesting you can withdraw about 4% of your retirement savings each year, adjusted for inflation, with a reasonable chance of your money lasting at least 30 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I calculate my TSP contributions?
Your TSP contribution is a percentage of your basic pay that you elect to defer. The calculator applies your chosen deferral rate to your salary, adds any annual raises you enter, and automatically includes the agency 1% automatic contribution plus up to 4% matching if eligible.
2. How much will my TSP grow?
Growth depends on your contributions, agency matching, investment allocation, and fund performance over time. The calculator projects your future balance using historical average returns of each TSP fund with monthly compounding for more realistic estimates.
3. How is the TSP G Fund rate calculated?
The G Fund is unique because it invests in short-term U.S. Treasury securities specially issued to the TSP. Its interest rate is calculated monthly based on the weighted average of outstanding U.S. Treasuries with four or more years to maturity. The rate is backed by the U.S. government, making the G Fund a principal-protected option.
4. How do I calculate my TSP RMD (Required Minimum Distribution)?
RMDs are determined by dividing your prior year-end TSP account balance by a life expectancy factor from IRS tables. The calculator does not calculate RMDs directly, but you can use your projected balance to estimate future distributions with IRS worksheets.
5. How does the TSP calculator account for matching contributions?
Agency matching is built in. The calculator applies the 1% automatic agency contribution plus dollar-for-dollar matching on the first 3% you contribute, and 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2%. This allows you to see the full impact of government contributions on your retirement savings.
6. How do I calculate TSP withdrawals?
Withdrawals can be taken as a lump sum, installment payments, or by purchasing an annuity. The calculator does not simulate withdrawals but projects your account balance at retirement. From there, you can model withdrawals using IRS or TSP distribution tools.
7. How is a TSP annuity calculated?
If you purchase a TSP annuity, the provider (currently MetLife) converts your account balance into monthly payments for life or a set period. Payments are based on your age, account balance, interest rates at the time of purchase, and any options you select (such as joint life or survivor benefits). Often, annuitization is not the best option for FERS employees, who already have two streams of guaranteed fixed income that are both backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government in the form of the FERS pension and Social Security.
8. How do I calculate future TSP balance?
The calculator estimates your balance by applying your contribution rate, salary growth, agency match, and historical fund returns from TSP.gov. Projections assume steady contributions and consistent fund allocations until your retirement age.
9. How do I calculate maximum TSP contributions?
Contribution limits are set annually by the IRS. For 2025, you may contribute up to $23,000 if under age 50, or $30,500 if age 50+ (including catch-up). SECURE Act 2.0 also adds enhanced catch-up contributions for ages 60–63. The calculator automatically uses the current IRS limits in its projections.
Be careful not to hit your maximum contribution too early in the year because TSP deductions must be made in all 26 pay periods to get the full match.
Maximum contributions are $23,500 under age 50, $31,000 over age 50.
10. How accurate is the TSP calculator?
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes based on historical TSP fund performance and stated assumptions. Actual future returns, salary changes, and legislative updates may cause results to differ. It should be used as an estimating tool, not a guarantee of future balances.
Important Disclosures & Data Sources
Data Sources
Calculation Methodology
- • Returns based on actual TSP fund historical performance (since inception averages)
- • Dual-track return calculations for existing vs future contributions
- • Monthly compounding for accurate TSP projections
- • TSP matching based on official policy structure
- • Annual salary increases applied consistently
- • Catch-up contributions included for participants age 50+
- • SECURE Act 2.0 enhanced catch-up contributions for ages 60-63
- • Educational guidance for concentrated allocations
Important Disclaimers
Educational Purpose Only: This calculator is designed for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, or legal advice. All calculations are estimates based on historical TSP fund data and stated assumptions.
Performance Disclaimer: Past TSP fund performance does not guarantee future results. Actual investment returns may vary significantly from historical averages used in these projections.
TSP Fund Methodology: This calculator uses actual TSP fund historical performance data (since inception averages) which includes the impact of fund management fees and operational costs. Returns reflect real-world TSP account performance over each fund’s complete history.
SECURE Act 2.0 Provisions: Enhanced catch-up contribution limits for ages 60-63 are based on current legislation and may be subject to change. Consult with tax professionals regarding specific implementation and benefits.
Diversification Guidance: Information about single fund concentration risks is provided for educational purposes. Individual allocation decisions remain with the participant based on personal circumstances and risk tolerance.
Professional Consultation: For personalized retirement planning advice, consult with a qualified financial advisor who understands federal employee benefits and SECURE Act 2.0 provisions.