Finance tools
401(k) calculator — balance at retirement
Free 401(k) calculator with employer match for US workers. Enter your age, salary, deferrals, and plan match to estimate your balance at retirement, see year-by-year growth, and download CSV or PDF—no sign-up.
What is a 401(k)?
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement plan in the United States (named after a section of the federal tax code). You save from each paycheck—often with pre-tax traditional deferrals or after-tax Roth deferrals when your plan offers them—and investments grow tax-advantaged. Many employers also add a matching contribution up to a share of your salary.
You usually enroll through work; eligibility, vesting, investments, loans, and hardship rules differ by plan. This tool estimates how deferrals, match, and assumed growth could add up by a target retirement age. It is for planning only—not tax, legal, or investment advice.
You choose the average return assumption; we do not recommend funds or forecast markets. The yearly chart separates your deferrals, employer match, and hypothetical investment growth.
How to use this 401(k) calculator
Enter age and salary
Set current age, planned retirement age, and annual salary. Changing either age updates how many years you contribute and compound.
Add contributions and match
Enter your deferral (% of salary or a fixed monthly amount), employer match rate, and match cap (% of salary). Presets model a common full match (often 6% deferral).
Set growth assumptions
Set expected return, optional salary growth (default 3%), plan fees, IRS catch-up, or inflation under Advanced.
Review balance and export
Review balance at retirement, the contributions vs. growth chart, the yearly table, and optional CSV or PDF export.
Example with default inputs
With defaults (age 30, retire 65, $75,000 salary, $10,000 starting balance, 6% deferral, 50% match on the first 6% of pay, 6% average return), the projected balance is about $1,208,423. That is illustrative only—not a guarantee.
Raise current age or lower retirement age to see how a shorter timeline changes the total. Turn on catch-up in Advanced at age 50+ to model higher IRS deferral limits.
To compare starting later, keep salary and match fixed and change only ages—the chart shows how much came from your deferrals, employer match, and growth each year.
401(k) calculator with employer match
Employer match is extra money your company may add when you defer from pay—often a percentage of what you contribute, up to a cap tied to your salary. A typical formula is 50% of your contributions up to 6% of salary. On $100,000 pay, deferring 6% ($6,000 per year) can bring about $3,000 in match; deferring 3% often leaves match on the table.
How to calculate 401(k) match: each month, match = min(your deferral, salary × cap%) × match rate. With 50% on the first 6% of salary, a 6% deferral usually captures the full match.
Is a 4% employer match good? Many plans land in the 3–6% range when you defer enough; compare your summary plan description and defer at least enough for the full match.
Try the Full match and Starter presets to compare 6% vs. 3% deferrals. Results note when you are capturing the full match or below it.
Partial match example
On $100,000 salary with 50% match on the first 6%, deferring 3% ($3,000 per year) may yield about $1,500 in employer match—about half the $3,000 available at a 6% deferral. The calculator applies the cap each month so you can spot unused match.
2026 401(k) contribution limits
The IRS sets employee elective deferral limits each calendar year (what you contribute from pay). Employer match and profit-sharing count separately toward combined annual addition limits—often discussed around $72,000 for 2026 for many plans. Confirm figures with your plan and the IRS.
Enable catch-up in Advanced so the simulation uses the right cap for your age each year, including SECURE 2.0 enhanced catch-up for ages 60–63. We cap your deferrals only—not employer dollars against the combined limit.
| Age (2026) | Employee deferral limit | Total with catch-up (if enabled) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 | $24,500 |
| 50–59 | $24,500 | $32,500 (+$8,000 catch-up) |
| 60–63 (SECURE 2.0) | $24,500 | $35,750 (+$11,250 enhanced catch-up) |
| 64 and older | $24,500 | $32,500 (+$8,000 catch-up) |
Official sources: IRS 401(k) contribution limits and Investor.gov — save for retirement. Limits change—verify before maxing out.
How this 401(k) growth calculator works
We run a monthly simulation instead of one compound-interest formula: each month we update salary (with annual growth), add your deferral and employer match, then apply net investment growth (return minus plan fees).
Employer match (monthly)
match = min(deferral, salary × cap%) × match rateExample on $75,000 salary: 6% deferral ($375/month) with 50% match on the first 6% → up to $187.50/month employer deposit when you capture the full match.
Deferral cap: once your year-to-date deferrals hit the IRS limit for your age band (including catch-up when enabled), employee deferrals stop increasing for that year. A warning appears when the cap binds.
Salary growth defaults to 3% per year, raising monthly pay (and percent-based deferrals) on each anniversary. Optional inflation can show balance in today’s dollars alongside the nominal balance at retirement.
For lump-sum or flat contributions without match or IRS caps, use our compound interest calculator or future value calculator.
Tips to maximize your 401(k)
1. Get the full employer match first—it is often the best guaranteed return on your savings.
2. Raise deferrals over time—for example, 1% more per year or after each raise.
3. Watch plan fees—enter your expense ratio in Advanced; higher fees reduce net growth.
4. Link take-home pay to long-term savings—use our paycheck calculator for pre-tax deferral impact, then return here for retirement balance.
5. Check purchasing power—add inflation in Advanced for today’s dollars, or try our inflation calculator for other scenarios.
401(k) calculator vs compound interest
This 401(k) growth calculator models payroll deferrals, employer match, and IRS deferral caps—not a single lump-sum compound formula. For “$X per month at Y% for Z years” without a workplace plan, a generic savings calculator is usually simpler.
This 401(k) calculator
Payroll deferrals, employer match with a salary cap, optional 2026 IRS deferral limits, salary growth, plan fees, and match messaging in results.
Monthly simulation, yearly chart, deferral warnings, breakdown table, CSV/PDF export.
Best when match and contribution limits matter.
Compound interest & future value
Flat or recurring contributions without employer match, payroll, or IRS deferral caps.
Good for emergency funds, CDs, or teaching compound growth.
Use our compound interest calculator or future value calculator when 401(k) rules are not needed.
Traditional vs Roth 401(k) (high level)
Many plans let you choose traditional or Roth deferrals (or both). The main difference is when you pay income tax, not how investments compound inside the account. This calculator uses the same growth math for either type and does not estimate your tax bracket now or in retirement.
Traditional 401(k)
Deferrals are often pre-tax, lowering taxable wages now. Investments grow tax-deferred; withdrawals in retirement are generally taxed as ordinary income.
Often favored if you expect a lower tax rate in retirement than today—this tool does not model brackets.
Roth 401(k) & Roth IRA
Roth 401(k) deferrals are after-tax now; qualified withdrawals may be tax-free later. Roth 401(k) deferrals are not limited by Roth IRA income rules, but not every plan offers Roth.
For Roth IRA contribution limits and MAGI phase-outs, use our Roth IRA calculator. We do not compute Roth vs. traditional tax outcomes here.
What we do not model
SECURE 2.0 catch-up (ages 60–63)
When catch-up is enabled, ages 60–63 use an enhanced catch-up ($11,250 in 2026 on top of the $24,500 base). Ages 50–59 and 64+ use the standard $8,000 catch-up. The simulation caps employee deferrals accordingly — not employer match or profit-sharing.
Combined annual additions (~$72,000)
IRS rules limit total employee deferrals plus employer contributions in a year (often cited around $72,000 for 2026 for many plans). This tool caps your deferrals only; it does not stop employer match when combined totals exceed the plan limit. Confirm with your plan administrator.
Vesting and early withdrawal
Employer match may vest over years; leaving early can forfeit unvested amounts. Early withdrawals before age 59½ often trigger taxes and penalties. This calculator projects balance at retirement — not cash-out or loan scenarios.
401(k) payout in retirement
This tool estimates account balance at retirement, not required minimum distributions (RMDs) or annuity quotes. A common educational shortcut for monthly income is the 4% rule (divide balance by 25 for a rough annual amount). Taxes, Social Security, pensions, and spending needs vary — see the FAQ on $2,000/month planning.
When to use a simpler calculator
For flat contributions without match or IRS caps, use our compound interest calculator. For take-home pay after a 401(k) deferral, use our paycheck calculator.
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Frequently asked questions about this 401(k) calculator
How much will my 401(k) be worth at retirement?
Enter your current balance, ages, salary, deferral rate, employer match, and an assumed return to see an estimated balance at retirement. The tool uses a monthly simulation with optional salary growth and IRS deferral caps when catch-up is enabled.
How does employer 401(k) match work?
Your employer may contribute a percentage of what you defer, up to a cap tied to your salary. Example: 50% match on the first 6% you contribute. The calculator applies that cap every month.
How do I calculate my 401(k) employer match?
Multiply your deferral (up to the salary cap) by the match rate. Example: $500/month deferred with a 50% match on the first 6% of salary → up to $250/month from your employer if you are under the cap. Enter your plan’s match % and cap % in the calculator.
How much should I contribute to my 401(k) with an employer match?
Start by deferring enough to get the full employer match—often 6% of salary when the match is “50% up to 6%.” Increase deferrals when your budget allows, up to IRS limits.
How do I max out my 401(k) with an employer match?
Maxing your deferral means hitting the IRS employee limit ($24,500 plus catch-up in 2026, depending on age). Employer match is extra and does not count toward your deferral limit. Enable catch-up in Advanced if you are 50+ to see when the cap applies.
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
For 2026, the base employee deferral limit is $24,500 for most workers, plus catch-up for age 50+ and enhanced catch-up for ages 60–63 under SECURE 2.0. Combined employee and employer additions follow separate IRS limits (often cited around $72,000—confirm with your plan).
Is this a 401(k) calculator by age?
Yes. Set current age and retirement age to define how long you contribute and compound. Results and the yearly chart update when you change either age—helpful for comparing an earlier vs. later start with the same pay and match.
How do I estimate 401(k) payout or monthly income in retirement?
This tool shows projected balance at retirement, not a payout schedule or annuity quote. Many planners use a rough 4% withdrawal rule (educational only): divide balance by 25 for approximate annual income, then by 12 for monthly.
Example: about $4,000/month before taxes from a $1,200,000 balance in that simplified model—real withdrawals depend on RMDs, taxes, and spending. See our annual income calculator for salary or hourly context.
How much will $10,000 in a 401(k) be worth in 20 years?
It depends on return, fees, and ongoing contributions. Illustration only: $10,000 with no further contributions and a steady 7% average return might grow to about $38,700 in 20 years before taxes and inflation—not guaranteed. Add deferrals and match above for a personalized estimate.
How much do I need in a 401(k) to get $2,000 a month in retirement?
Using the educational 4% rule, $2,000/month (about $24,000/year) might call for roughly $600,000 saved, excluding Social Security and pensions. Run your deferrals and match here to see if your projected balance reaches that target.
Does a 401(k) double every seven years?
No—not as a rule. The rule of 72 estimates years to double unchanged principal: divide 72 by your return. At 7%, principal might double in about 10 years—not guaranteed. Ongoing deferrals and match change the path; use the chart on this page.
Traditional vs Roth 401(k) — which should I use?
It depends on whether you prefer tax breaks now or later. Traditional deferrals are often pre-tax now and taxable in retirement; Roth deferrals are after-tax now and may be tax-free when qualified. This calculator does not model tax brackets—see Investor.gov — save for retirement for basics.
For Roth IRA limits and MAGI phase-outs, use our Roth IRA calculator.
How is this different from a paycheck calculator?
A paycheck calculator estimates take-home pay after taxes and pre-tax 401(k) deductions each pay period. This tool projects 401(k) balance at retirement, not next month’s net pay.
Are these 401(k) calculator results guaranteed?
No. Markets, fees, job changes, plan rules, and taxes can differ from your assumptions. Treat results as educational estimates, not investment advice.