401(k) calculator
Enter your salary, your contribution and your employer match. See a projection to retirement.
What goes into the projection
Each month the calculator adds your contribution (a percent of salary) and your employer's match, then applies a monthly return. Your salary grows by the yearly increase you enter. The result is a projection from your assumptions, not a forecast.
Example: a $75,000 salary, 8% contribution, a 50% match up to 6% of pay, a 3% yearly raise and a 6% return, starting with $25,000 and 30 years to go. The projected balance is $1,080,365. Of that, $285,452 is your contributions, $107,045 is employer match and $662,868 is growth.
How a match works
A match is often written like "50% of the first 6%". If you contribute 6% or more, the employer adds half of 6% of your pay. On a $60,000 salary, a "100% of the first 3%" match adds $1,800 a year, but only if you contribute at least 3%. Contributing less leaves that money unclaimed. Your plan documents give your employer's exact formula.
Limits for 2026
The IRS limit on employee contributions is $24,500 for 2026. People age 50 and older can add $8,000, and ages 60 to 63 can add $11,250, as reported by Axios when the IRS announced the limits. Employer match does not count against the employee limit, but there is a separate total limit. Check IRS guidance for the current year.
What this does not include
- Taxes on withdrawals (traditional 401(k)) and fees charged by your plan or funds.
- Inflation. A balance in 30 years buys less than the same dollars today.
- Vesting. Some employers keep match money if you leave early.
Questions people ask
How much will my 401(k) be worth?
That depends on your contributions, your return and your time. Enter your numbers and compare a few return assumptions.
What return should I assume?
No one knows. Many people try a range, such as 4%, 6% and 8%, to see the spread. Returns are not guaranteed and can be negative.
How does an employer match work?
The employer adds a share of what you contribute, up to a limit. For example, 50% of your first 6% of pay.
What is the 2026 contribution limit?
The employee limit is $24,500, with catch-up amounts for people 50 and older.