401(k) Calculator

Calculate your 401(k) retirement savings growth with employer match, contributions, and compound interest. Free 401k calculator.

Enter Your 401(k) Details

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Annual contribution: $6,000
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Example: 50% match means employer contributes 50 cents per dollar you contribute
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Maximum salary % employer will match (defaults to 6%)
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Historical average: 7-10% for diversified stock portfolios
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Expected annual salary increase (defaults to 3%)
Projected Balance at Retirement
$1,887,099
In 35 years (age 65)
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Your Contributions
$362,772
$16,391/year (final year)
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Employer Match
$10,883
$492/year (final year)
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Investment Growth
$1,463,443
From compound interest

Growth Over Time

YearAgeBalanceYour ContributionsEmployer MatchGrowth
535$109,870$31,855$956$27,060
1040$200,954$68,783$2,063$80,107
1545$337,275$111,593$3,348$172,333
2050$538,873$161,222$4,837$322,814
2555$834,338$218,756$6,563$559,019
3060$1,264,412$285,452$8,564$920,396
3565$1,887,099$362,772$10,883$1,463,443
Year 5
Age 35
$109,870
Your Contributions$31,855
Employer Match$956
Growth$27,060
Year 10
Age 40
$200,954
Your Contributions$68,783
Employer Match$2,063
Growth$80,107
Year 15
Age 45
$337,275
Your Contributions$111,593
Employer Match$3,348
Growth$172,333
Year 20
Age 50
$538,873
Your Contributions$161,222
Employer Match$4,837
Growth$322,814
Year 25
Age 55
$834,338
Your Contributions$218,756
Employer Match$6,563
Growth$559,019
Year 30
Age 60
$1,264,412
Your Contributions$285,452
Employer Match$8,564
Growth$920,396
Year 35
Age 65
$1,887,099
Your Contributions$362,772
Employer Match$10,883
Growth$1,463,443

Note: This calculator provides estimates based on your inputs. Actual returns will vary based on market conditions, investment choices, and contribution changes. The calculation assumes monthly compounding and annual salary increases.

401(k) Retirement Calculator

Our 401(k) calculator helps you project how much you'll have saved for retirement based on your current balance, contributions, employer match, and expected investment returns.

Understanding Your Results

- Projected Balance at Retirement: The total amount you'll have in your 401(k) when you retire

- Your Total Contributions: The total amount you'll contribute over the years- Employer Match Total: The total amount your employer will contribute through matching
- Investment Growth: The amount your investments will grow through compound interest

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How 401(k) Contributions Work

A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan offered by employers that allows you to:

- Contribute pre-tax dollars from your salary
- Receive employer matching contributions (free money!)
- Grow your savings tax-deferred until retirement
- Take advantage of compound interest over time

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Employer Matching

Many employers offer matching contributions, typically:

- 50% match up to 6%: Employer contributes 50 cents for every dollar you contribute, up to 6% of your salary
- 100% match up to 3%: Employer matches dollar-for-dollar up to 3% of your salary
- Partial match: Various matching formulas depending on your employer

Pro Tip: Always contribute at least enough to get the full employer match - it's free money!

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Tips for Maximizing Your 401(k)

1. Contribute Enough for Full Match: Don't leave free money on the table

2. Increase Contributions Over Time: As your salary grows, increase your contribution percentage
3. Start Early: The power of compound interest means starting early makes a huge difference
4. Consider Contribution Limits: For 2024, the limit is $23,000 ($30,500 if 50+)
5. Diversify Investments: Don't put all your money in one type of investment

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Contribution Limits

- 2024 Employee Contribution Limit: $23,000

- 2024 Catch-Up Contribution (50+): Additional $7,500
- 2024 Total Limit (Employee + Employer): $69,000 ($76,500 if 50+)

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Tax Benefits

- Traditional 401(k): Contributions are pre-tax, reducing your taxable income now

- Roth 401(k): Contributions are after-tax, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free
- Both types grow tax-deferred until withdrawal

Remember, this calculator provides estimates based on your inputs. Actual returns will vary based on market conditions and your investment choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
A: Most financial advisors recommend contributing at least enough to get your full employer match (typically 3-6% of salary), and ideally 10-15% of your salary for a comfortable retirement.
Q: What is a good employer match for 401(k)?
A: A typical employer match is 50% of your contributions up to 6% of your salary, or 100% match up to 3-4% of salary. Any employer match is valuable - it's essentially free money for your retirement.
Q: How does compound interest work in a 401(k)?
A: Compound interest means your investment gains earn additional gains over time. The longer your money is invested, the more powerful compound interest becomes. Starting early and contributing consistently maximizes this benefit.
Q: What's the difference between traditional and Roth 401(k)?
A: Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax (reduce taxable income now), while Roth 401(k) contributions are after-tax. Traditional withdrawals are taxed in retirement, while Roth withdrawals are tax-free. Choose based on whether you expect to be in a higher tax bracket now or in retirement.
Q: Can I contribute to both 401(k) and IRA?
A: Yes! You can contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA. The 401(k) has higher contribution limits and may offer employer matching, while IRAs offer more investment flexibility. Contributing to both can maximize your retirement savings.

Disclaimer

Financial Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. The results are estimates and should not be considered as financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Actual results may vary based on individual circumstances, market conditions, and other factors. Always consult with qualified financial professionals before making financial decisions.

Last updated: December 30, 2025