Military Retirement Calculator

Compare High-3 and BRS pensions for regular active-duty retirement. Use your own highest 36-month basic-pay average for a transparent estimate.

Highest 36-month average basic pay ($/month)

Monthly basic pay for TSP projection ($, optional)

Current TSP balance ($)

Active service years at retirement

Current years of service

Member TSP contribution (%)

Assumed annual TSP return (%)

Assumed annual pension COLA (%)

Assumed annual inflation (%)

Retirement age

Projection age

High-3 vs BRS estimate

Enter your High-3 average to compare regular active-duty pensions.

How it works

High-3 multiplies the highest 36-month average basic pay by 2.5% per year of service. BRS uses 2.0%. At 20 years, the multipliers are 50% and 40% respectively.

For new accessions, BRS automatic TSP contributions start after 60 days and matching starts after 2 years. Matching is dollar-for-dollar on the first 3%, then 50 cents per dollar on the next 2%; contributing 5% earns a 4% match plus the 1% automatic contribution. Government contributions stop after completion of 26 years.

Those entering service from January 1, 2018 generally enter BRS. Earlier members may have elected BRS. Check your actual plan and use the official DoD calculator for personalized rules, continuation pay and lump-sum options.

Frequently asked questions

Does this cover Reserve retirement?

No. Reserve points, pay start age, disability retirement and REDUX require different calculations.

What is High-3?

The average of your highest 36 months of basic pay, excluding allowances such as BAH and BAS.

Are returns and COLA guaranteed?

No. They are assumptions for comparison, not predictions or official figures.

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