How this military retirement calculator works
This free tool projects two things at once: the balance you'll build in the federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and the monthly defined-benefit pension you'll earn from your years of service. It supports both the Blended Retirement System (BRS) and the legacy High-3 system so you can compare them side by side.
Enter your date entered service (DIEMS) and pay grade, and the calculator pulls your current base pay straight from the official 2026 military pay tables. For the years you haven't served yet, it advances you through the real longevity steps for your grade and applies the 20-year historical average annual pay raise (about 2.8%). Add a promotion schedule and it uses the correct grade's pay for each future year.
BRS vs. High-3: what's the difference?
Pension multiplier
High-3 uses a 2.5% multiplier per year of service; BRS uses 2.0%. At 20 years that's 50% of your High-3 average basic pay under the legacy system versus 40% under BRS. "High-3" refers to the average of your highest 36 months of basic pay — almost always your final three years.
TSP matching
Under BRS the government adds an automatic 1% of your basic pay and matches your contributions — dollar-for-dollar on the first 3% and 50¢ per dollar on the next 2% — for up to a 5% total government contribution when you contribute at least 5%. Under High-3 there is no government TSP match; you can still contribute, but the government adds nothing. BRS therefore trades a smaller pension for free TSP money plus portability.
Tips to get the most from your TSP
- Contribute at least 5% under BRS to capture the full match — it's an instant, guaranteed return on your money.
- Mind the annual limit. The 2026 IRS elective deferral limit is $24,500.
- Roth vs. Traditional depends on whether your tax rate is higher now or in retirement; this tool estimates both.
- The agency match is always Traditional (pre-tax), even if your own contributions are Roth.
Frequently asked questions
Is this calculator official?
No. It's an independent educational tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Department of Defense, DFAS, or the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. Figures are estimates — always confirm with official sources and a financial professional.
Where does the pay data come from?
Current base pay uses the 2026 active-duty basic pay tables. Future pay is projected using each grade's longevity steps plus the historical average annual military pay raise.
Does it include BAH, BAS, or special pays?
No. The pension and TSP match are based on basic pay only, which is the correct basis for both calculations. Allowances like BAH and BAS are not part of retired pay.
What's not included?
The model focuses on the pension multiplier and TSP. It does not currently include BRS continuation pay or the lump-sum option, which would further favor BRS.
Guides
- BRS vs. High-3 explained — which military retirement is better?
- How the TSP 5% match works (and why 5% is the magic number)
- Roth vs. Traditional TSP: which should you choose?
- TSP funds explained: G, F, C, S, and I
- TSP Lifecycle (L) Funds: a complete guide
- What happens to your TSP when you leave the military
- How much is military retirement pay at 20 years?
- 2027 military pay raise: what to expect