# What is a sustainable pension withdrawal rate?

> Quick answer · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## In short

The percentage of your drawdown pot you can take each year without likely running out — often discussed as 3%–4% as a starting point, adjusted for charges, State Pension, tax and market returns.

The US 4% rule is a guide, not a UK guarantee. Sequence-of-returns risk matters.

Use our pension drawdown calculator and drawdown income guide to model your situation.

Combining annuity income for essentials reduces drawdown pressure.

## Related

- [Drawdown income guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/pensions/pension-drawdown-income-guide/)
- [Pension drawdown calculator](https://moneyguide.org.uk/tools/pension-drawdown-calculator/)

## Primary source

gov.uk/tax-on-your-private-pension/what-you-can-do-with-your-private-pension-pot

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.