TSP Draw Estimator

How this is calculated

This calculator splits your monthly draw across your Traditional and Roth TSP balances in proportion to how much of your total balance sits in each — so if 80% of your money is Traditional and 20% is Roth, 80% of your draw is treated as Traditional and taxed accordingly. The Traditional portion is reduced by a rough 22% federal income tax estimate, since Traditional withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. The Roth portion passes through untaxed, matching how qualified Roth withdrawals work.

If your age at separation is under 55, the calculator also applies the IRS's 10% early withdrawal penalty to the Traditional portion of your draw — the "Rule of 55" exception, which waives that penalty, only applies if you separate in or after the calendar year you turn 55. Roth contributions (not earnings) can generally be withdrawn without penalty regardless of age, though this calculator does not attempt to separate Roth contributions from Roth earnings.

To estimate how long your money lasts, the calculator grows your starting balance by your expected annual return (converted to a monthly rate) and subtracts your gross monthly draw each month. If your account's monthly growth is greater than or equal to your draw, the balance never depletes; otherwise it projects a depletion year using a standard compound-interest annuity formula, and builds a year-by-year balance table up to 35 years or until the balance reaches zero, whichever comes first.

Frequently asked questions