Calculators
Military Retirement Pay Calculator
Calculate military retired pay under the High-3 system (2.5% per year) or the Blended Retirement System (2.0% per year).
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The tool
Enter your numbers below. Results update as you type, and nothing leaves your browser.
Everything you enter stays on your own machine. Nothing is sent to us or to anyone else, which you can confirm in your browser network tab.
What people use it for
- Military retirement planning
- Deciding whether to stay to 20 years or more
- Comparing High-3 and BRS outcomes
- Transition planning
About this tool
What the Military Retirement Pay Calculator does
Military retired pay is a percentage of the average of the highest 36 months of basic pay. Under the legacy High-3 system the multiplier is 2.5% per year of service; under the Blended Retirement System (BRS) it is 2.0%, with Thrift Savings Plan matching making up the difference. Twenty years of service is the usual minimum.
Formula
- Multiplier = years × 2.5% (High-3) or 2.0% (BRS)
- Retired pay = high-3 average × multiplier
Worked example
Using the starting values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Average of highest 36 months of basic pay (monthly) | $9,000 |
| Years of service | 20 |
| Retirement system | High-3 (2.5% per year) |
| Annual COLA assumption | 2.5% |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly retired pay | $4,500 |
| Annual retired pay | $54,000 |
| Multiplier | 50.0% |
| Annual retired pay after 20 years of COLA | $88,485 |
How to read the result
BRS members receive government TSP contributions and continuation pay, so compare total value, not just the pension.
Reserve component retirement uses points rather than years and starts later.
Estimates only. Official rates and rules change; confirm figures with the relevant agency before relying on them.
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Questions
Questions about this tool
The things clients actually want to know — costs, timelines, ownership and what happens after launch.
High-3 average basic pay × years of service × 2.5% (High-3) or 2.0% (BRS).
The average of your highest 36 months of basic pay.
Yes, it is generally subject to federal income tax.
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