🔒 401(k) Calculator

Estimate your retirement savings with employer match

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Calculate Your 401(k) Growth

100% = doller-for-doller up to limit
Employer matches up to this % of salary
Alows an extra $7,500 in 2026 for those 50 and older
Estimated 401(k) Balance at Retirement
$0
Your Total Contributions$0
Employer Match Total$0
Investment Growth (Interest)$0
Current Balance (grows to)$0
Monthly Income in Retirement$0

401(k) Balance Over Time

Year-by-Year Projection

AgeSalaryYour Contrib.MatchYear End Balance

How the 401(k) Calculator Works

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement plan that lets you save and invest for retirement with significant tax advantages. Contributions are made pre-tax (traditional) or after-tax (Roth), reducing your taxable income today or providing tax-free withdrawals in retirement.

Our calculator projects your 401(k) balance at retirement by factoring in your current balance, annual contributions, employer match, salary increases, and investment returns — all compounded over time.

2026 401(k) Contribution Limits

Age GroupEmployee Contribution LimitCatch-Up (50+)Total Potential (with catch-up)
Under 50$23,500—$23,500
50 and older$23,500+$7,500$31,000

These are the estimated 2026 IRS limits. The actual limits are adjusted annually for inflation.

Why the Employer Match Is "Free Money"

Many employers offer a 401(k) match as part of their benefits package. A typical match is "50% up to 6%" (the employer contributes $0.50 for every $1 you contribute, up to 6% of your salary). Some offer "100% up to 6%" — that's an instant 100% return on your contribution.

Always contribute at least enough to get the full employer match. Not doing so is literally leaving money on the table. For a $75,000 salary with a 100% match up to 6%, missing the full match costs you $4,500 per year.

Traditional vs. Roth 401(k)

FeatureTraditional 401(k)Roth 401(k)
Tax treatmentPre-tax (reduces current taxable income)After-tax (no tax break now)
Taxes in retirementWithdrawals taxed as ordinary incomeQualifying withdrawls are tax-free
Best if...You expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirementYou expect to be in the same or higher bracket

How to Maximize Your 401(k)

  1. Get the full employer match: This is priority #1. Contribute at least up to the match limit.
  2. Increase contributions with every raise: Increase your contribution rate by half your raise amount. You won't miss the money, and your future self will thank you.
  3. Use catch-up contributions at 50: The extra $7,500 allowed for those 50+ can add $100,000+ to your retirement if used consistently.
  4. Choose low-cost index funds: Many 401(k) plans have high-fee options. Look for index funds with expense ratios under 0.10%.
  5. Don't cash out when changing jobs: Rolling over to an IRA or new employer's plan avoids immediate taxes and penalties, and keeps compounding working for you.

What Happens to Your 401(k) at Retirement?

At retirement, you have several options: (1) Leave it in the plan if the fees are low and investment options are good; (2) Roll it over to an IRA for more investment choices; (3) Take distributions — the IRS requires Minimum Required Distributions (RMDs) starting at age 73 (as of 2026 rules).

The 4% rule suggests you can safely withdraw 4% of your 401(k) balance per year in retirement without running out of money. On a $500,000 balance, that's $20,000/year ($1,667/month) of retirement income from your 401(k) alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At minimum, contribute enough to get the full employer match — that's an instant 100% return. Beyond that, aim to save 15% of your income (including employer match) for a comfortable retirement. If that's not feasible yet, start with 6% and increase by 1% each year until you reach 15%.
What if my employer doesn't offer a match?
Contribute anyway if the plan has good, low-cost investment options. The tax advantages alone make it worthwhile. However, if there's no match and the plan fees are high (expense ratios above 1%), consider contributing only enough to get any match elsewhere (like an IRA), then prioritize an IRA or HSA for better investment choices.
Can I access my 401(k) before retirement?
You can, but it's expensive. Withdrawals before age 59½ typically incur a 10% penalty plus income tax. Some plans allow loans (borrowing from yourself, which you must repay), but if you leave your job with a loan outstanding, the full balance may become due immediately. Avoid raiding your 401(k) — it's for retirement.
Should I do Traditional or Roth 401(k)?
If you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement (common for most people), Traditional gives you the tax break when your rate is higher. If you expect to be in the same or higher bracket (e.g., you're early in your career), Roth is better because you pay taxes now at a lower rate. Many people benefit from having both.