Use the exact age factor
The factor changes with the 2% at 60 or 2% at 62 structure and the exact retirement age. Obtain the official factor before relying on the result.
Keep additional credit separate
Unused sick leave can add service to the calculation but does not create minimum earned-service eligibility. Add it only after verifying the employer-certified days and base.
Build an account-based estimate
This quick estimate asks for the core formula inputs. CalSTRS’ retirement estimator also uses your retirement date, date of birth, benefit structure, service and salary history, eligible sick leave, and beneficiary choice. Use it to compare an account-based projection with this illustration; estimates are planning tools, while CalSTRS determines the benefit under its governing rules.