Military Retirement Calculator
Compare what you actually get under BRS vs High-3 at retirement. The BRS pension is smaller by design. The question is whether your TSP balance (with DoD matching) compensates for the lower annuity.
Complete required fields, then select Calculate.
Estimate confidence: PENDING INPUT
Data as of 2026-01-01
Included in estimate
- 2026 DFAS base pay table (paygrade and YOS bands)
- BRS pension formula: 2.0% × YOS × final base pay
- High-3 pension formula: 2.5% × YOS × average of final 36 months base pay
- TSP accumulation: member contributions + DoD 1% auto + up to 4% matching (active after YOS 2)
- 4% safe withdrawal rate applied to TSP balance at retirement
Not included
- Investment performance above or below the assumed annual return rate
- Future COLA adjustments to retired pay
- Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) premiums
- Taxes on pension income or TSP withdrawals
- Future pay-table changes between now and retirement
What this tool is for
Use when you are BRS-eligible and need to understand the tradeoff between a smaller guaranteed pension and a TSP balance that depends on your contribution rate and investment returns. Also useful for verifying you are capturing the full 5% DoD match.
Worked example
Example: an E-7 retiring at 20 years of service under BRS with a 5% TSP contribution will see the monthly pension difference (40% vs 50% of average high-3 base pay), the DoD-matched TSP balance projection, and the crossover point where cumulative BRS income surpasses High-3.
When to use it
Use it when comparing retirement systems, planning your TSP contribution rate, or modeling the financial impact of staying for 20 vs 24 years.
When not to use it
Do not use it as a financial planning substitute. TSP projections depend on investment returns that are not guaranteed. Consult a military financial counselor or CFP before making retirement system elections.
What the result means
Pension projections use the current base pay table. TSP projections use the entered annual return rate and are not inflation-adjusted. Results are planning estimates only.
Official sources used
Direct links to the official pages this tool relies on.
Site assumptions
- BRS pension = 2.0% × years of service × average high-3 basic pay.
- High-3 pension = 2.5% × years of service × average high-3 basic pay.
- DoD matches TSP contributions: 1% automatic + up to 4% matching for BRS members.
- TSP projection uses the entered annual return rate compounded annually.
- Continuation pay is calculated separately (see the BRS Continuation Pay Calculator) and not included in this retirement comparison.
What is included
- Monthly pension under BRS and High-3
- Projected TSP balance at retirement under BRS
- DoD matching contribution calculation
- Crossover year when cumulative BRS income exceeds High-3 cumulative income
- Net present value comparison at the entered discount rate
What is not included
- Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) premiums
- VA disability offset (CRDP/CRSC)
- State income tax on pension
- Social Security integration
- REDUX retirement system (closed to new enrollees)
Verify with
- Your MyPay TSP contribution record
- The official BRS comparison calculator at militarypay.defense.gov
- A military financial readiness counselor before any retirement election
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official government site?
No. This is an independent planning utility, not an official U.S. Government website. Do not submit CUI, ITAR, classified, or sensitive personal information. Always verify estimates with official sources before making financial decisions.
How accurate are these estimates?
These are planning estimates based on official DFAS, DoD, and service-specific sources. Actual pay may vary based on your specific situation, special pays, tax withholdings, and other factors. Use these tools for planning purposes and verify with your finance office.
When was this data last updated?
Check the source and assumptions sections on this page for the current effective date used by the site. If the linked official pages have changed since then, use the official pages first.
Does this tool guarantee my retirement benefit?
No. This tool produces planning projections based on 2026 pay tables and the BRS/High-3 formulas. Actual retirement benefits depend on service record, official DFAS calculation, future pay table updates, and TSP investment performance.
This estimate uses simplified planning assumptions. Review the linked methodology and official source pages before making financial decisions. Spotted an error or have a suggestion? Send a note.