Annuity Payout Calculator

Q: How do I calculate the monthly payout from an annuity?

The monthly payout from a lump-sum annuity is calculated using: PMT = PV × [r(1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n − 1], where PV is the present value (lump sum), r is the monthly interest rate (annual rate / 12), and n is the total number of monthly payments. For example, a $500,000 annuity at 5%/year for 20 years pays approximately $3,300/month.

Q: What is the difference between a fixed-term and life annuity?

A fixed-term annuity pays income for a set number of years (e.g., 20 years), after which payments stop regardless of whether you are alive. A life annuity pays income until you die - the insurance company bears the longevity risk. Life annuities are priced using mortality tables and pay less per month than fixed-term annuities of the same duration because they must account for people who live longer than expected.

Q: How much income will $500,000 generate in retirement?

At a 5% annual return over 25 years, $500,000 generates approximately $2,924/month. Using the 4% rule (annual withdrawal of 4%), that is $20,000/year or $1,667/month indefinitely. The actual income depends on your chosen withdrawal rate, the interest/return earned, and how long you need the income to last.

Q: Is a lump sum or annuity payout better?

This depends on your health, life expectancy, investment discipline, and income needs. A lump sum gives flexibility and the potential for higher returns if invested well, but carries the risk of running out of money. An annuity guarantees income but sacrifices liquidity and may pay less than self-investing over the long run. Many retirees use a combination: annuity for baseline income, investments for growth and flexibility.

Find out how much monthly income your lump sum annuity will generate.

💵 What is an Annuity Payout?

An annuity payout is the periodic income you receive from an annuity contract or from a retirement savings pool. When you convert a lump sum into an income stream - either by purchasing an annuity from an insurer or by setting up systematic withdrawals from a retirement account - the amount you receive per period is the annuity payout. The payout amount depends on three factors: the lump sum size, the interest rate credited during the payout phase, and the number of periods over which payments are made.

Annuity payouts are used extensively in retirement planning. When you retire with a 401k, IRA, or pension lump sum, you face a critical decision: how much to withdraw each year to make the money last your lifetime without depleting it prematurely. This calculator uses the standard present-value annuity formula to determine the maximum sustainable monthly payout from any given balance, interest rate, and payout period.

The 4% rule, popularized by financial planner William Bengen, suggests that withdrawing 4% of your portfolio annually provides a high probability of not running out of money over a 30-year retirement. At a 5% annual return on a $500,000 portfolio over 20 years, the maximum monthly payout is approximately $3,300. Understanding this number helps retirees plan spending, supplement with Social Security, and manage longevity risk.

📐 Annuity Payout Formula

PMT = PV × r(1+r)ⁿ / [(1+r)ⁿ − 1]

PMT = Periodic payout (monthly or annual)

PV = Present value / lump sum

r = Periodic interest rate (annual rate / 12 for monthly)

n = Total number of payment periods

This is the standard loan/annuity payment formula rearranged from the present-value perspective. The numerator r(1+r)^n represents the interest factor, and the denominator (1+r)^n − 1 represents cumulative growth. A higher interest rate produces a higher PMT because the balance earns more during payout; a longer period (more n) produces a lower PMT because the balance is spread over more payments.

📖 How to Use This Calculator

Steps

Enter your lump sum - this is your total annuity value, retirement account balance, or inheritance amount to convert to income.

Enter the annual interest rate - for a fixed annuity, use the guaranteed rate. For portfolio withdrawals, use an estimated portfolio return (4–6% is typical for a balanced portfolio).

Enter the payout period - how many years you need income (e.g., 20 years, 30 years, or use life expectancy minus your current age).

Click Calculate to see your monthly and annual payout, total income received, and interest earned during payout.

💡 Example Calculations

Example 1 - $500,000 at 5% over 20 Years

PV = $500,000 | Rate = 5%/year | Payout = 20 years

Monthly rate r = 5/12/100 = 0.4167%; n = 240 months

PMT = $500,000 × (0.004167 × 1.004167²⁴⁰) / (1.004167²⁴⁰ − 1) = $3,300/month

Annual = $39,600 | Total received = $792,000 | Interest earned during payout = $292,000

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Example 2 - $1,000,000 at 4% over 30 Years

PV = $1,000,000 | Rate = 4%/year | Payout = 30 years

Monthly rate = 0.3333%; n = 360 months

Monthly payout = $4,774/month | Total = $1,718,640 | Interest = $718,640

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate the monthly payout from an annuity?+

The monthly payout formula is PMT = PV × [r(1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n − 1], where PV is the lump sum, r is the monthly interest rate (annual / 12), and n is the total months. For example, a $500,000 annuity at 5%/year for 20 years pays approximately $3,300/month.

What is the difference between a fixed-term and life annuity?+

A fixed-term annuity pays for a set number of years, after which payments stop. A life annuity pays until death - the insurance company bears the longevity risk. Life annuities pay less per month than fixed-term annuities because they must account for people who live longer than average.

How much income will $500,000 generate in retirement?+

At 5% annual return over 25 years, $500,000 generates approximately $2,924/month. Using the 4% rule ($20,000/year), that is $1,667/month indefinitely. The actual income depends on your chosen withdrawal rate, return earned, and how long you need income.

Is a lump sum or annuity payout better?+

It depends on health, life expectancy, investment discipline, and income needs. A lump sum gives flexibility and potential for higher returns but risks running out. An annuity guarantees income but sacrifices liquidity. Most retirees benefit from a combination: annuity for baseline income, investments for growth and flexibility.

What happens if I outlive my annuity?+

With a fixed-term annuity, payments stop when the term ends and balance reaches zero. To avoid this risk, consider a life annuity (guaranteed for life), a joint-and-survivor annuity (covers a spouse), or maintain a diversified investment portfolio alongside annuity income. A period-certain feature guarantees payments for a minimum period even if you die early.