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Annuity Payout Calculator

Calculate annuity payout amount, retirement income stream, and remaining balance over time.

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Understanding Annuity Payouts

An annuity is a financial contract typically issued by an insurance company designed to provide a steady stream of income during retirement. Calculating the payout of an annuity helps retirees and investors estimate how much regular income they will receive based on their initial investment and expected growth rate.

Annuity Payout Calculation Formula

The periodic payout for a fixed annuity is determined using the time value of money formula:

$$PMT = P \times \frac{r}{1 - (1 + r)^{-n}}$$

Where:

  • PMT is the regular payout amount per period.
  • P is the starting principal (or annuity purchase price).
  • r is the periodic interest rate (annual interest rate / number of periods per year).
  • n is the total number of payout periods (payout years * number of periods per year).

Two Methods of Annuity Payout

Our calculator supports two common methods of withdrawing funds:

  • Fixed Period: You specify how many years the payouts should last, and the calculator determines the exact amount you can withdraw each period so the balance reaches zero at the end of the term.
  • Fixed Payout Amount: You specify the exact amount you wish to withdraw per period, and the calculator determines how many years and months the funds will last. If the interest rate generates more income than you withdraw, the balance will grow indefinitely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an immediate annuity and a deferred annuity?

An immediate annuity begins paying out income shortly after purchase, usually within a month or year. A deferred annuity accumulates interest and investment growth over an accumulation phase before payouts start at a future date.

How does withdrawal frequency affect my payouts?

Withdrawing money more frequently (such as monthly vs annually) means the remaining balance has less time to compound and grow. Annually paid annuities generally yield slightly higher total payouts over time compared to monthly payments.

Can my annuity outlive me?

A standard fixed-period annuity pays out only for the designated years. Lifetime annuities, however, are guaranteed to pay income for as long as you live, regardless of how long that is.

Are annuity payouts taxable?

For non-qualified annuities purchased with after-tax dollars, only the interest/earnings portion of each payout is taxable, while the principal portion is a tax-free return of capital.