401(k) Retirement Calculator
Calculate your 401(k) with employee contributions, employer match, and annual increase. See how your retirement balance grow with our free calculator.
Your Information
Estimated Balance at 65
$5,851,279
Total Employee Contributions
$1,354,805
Total Employer Match
$541,922
Years to Retirement
35 years
Retirement Savings Projection
Plan Your Retirement with This 401(k) Calculator
A 401(k) is one of the most powerful retirement savings tools available to US workers. It lets you save for retirement while reducing your current taxable income, and many employers add free money through matching contributions.
This calculator helps you visualize exactly how your 401(k) will grow over time. You'll see how your contributions, employer match, and investment returns work together to build your retirement nest egg. Small changes today can create massive differences at retirement. Even increasing your contribution by just 1-2% can add tens of thousands of dollars to your final balance.
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these simple steps to project your 401(k) balance at retirement:
Step 1: Enter Your Age Information
Enter your current age and when you plan to retire. Most people retire between 65 and 67, but you can adjust based on your goals. The calculator automatically shows your years to retirement.
Step 2: Add Your Current Balance
If you already have money saved in your 401(k), enter that amount. If you're just getting started, enter 0.
Step 3: Input Your Salary Details
Enter your current annual salary before taxes (gross income). Then add your expected annual salary increase, typically 2-3% per year. As your salary grows, your contribution amounts increase too.
Step 4: Set Your Contribution Rate
Choose what percentage of your salary to contribute each paycheck. Financial experts recommend at least 10-15%. Then enter your employer match percentage from your benefits documents.
Common employer matches include 50% match up to 6% of salary, or 100% match up to 3%. Always contribute enough to get the full match.
Step 5: Set Expected Returns
Enter your expected annual investment return. The stock market historically averages around 10% per year, but most planners recommend using 6-8% for conservative projections.
What You'll See
The calculator displays your projected balance at retirement, total contributions, total employer match, and a visual graph showing your savings growth over time.
Understanding Your 401(k) Projections
Estimated Balance at Retirement
Your total projected 401(k) value when you retire, including your contributions, employer match, and investment growth. Remember, this is pre-tax money.
Total Employee Contributions
The cumulative amount you'll personally contribute from your paycheck. This money comes out before taxes, reducing your current tax bill.
Total Employer Match
Free money your employer adds to your account. Not capturing the full match means leaving money on the table.
Years to Retirement
Time is your biggest advantage in investing. More years means more powerful compound interest.
Retirement Savings Projection Graph
Shows how your balance grows from today until retirement. Notice the upward curve in later years, that's compound interest at work. Early years show steady growth from contributions, later years show exponential growth from compounding returns.
401(k) Calculator Terms Explained
Current Age and Retirement Age
These determine your investment timeline. Longer timelines mean more compound growth. Most people retire at 65-67.
Current 401(k) Balance
Any existing money in your 401(k). This balance continues growing with new contributions and returns. Enter $0 if starting fresh.
Annual Salary
Your gross salary before taxes. This calculates your contribution dollars. If you earn $100,000 and contribute 15%, you add $15,000 annually.
Annual Salary Increase
Expected yearly raise, typically 2-3%. This matters because you contribute a percentage of salary, so raises increase contribution amounts over time.
Employee Contribution Percentage
The percentage you contribute each pay period. Experts recommend 10-15% minimum. For 2026, the IRS allows up to $24,500 annually, plus $8,000 catch-up if 50 or older, or $11,250 catch-up if ages 60-63.
Employer Match Percentage
Free money your employer contributes. Common formulas: 50% match up to 6% of salary, or 100% match up to 3%. Check your benefits to find your exact formula.
Expected Annual Return
Your projected investment growth rate. Historical stock market average is ~10% annually, but use 6-8% for conservative planning. Actual returns fluctuate yearly. Younger workers can invest more aggressively, those near retirement choose conservative options.