401K Calculator
Project your 401(k) retirement savings with employer match, contributions, and compound growth.
Projected Balance at Retirement
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Total Contributions
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Total Employer Match
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Investment Growth
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What is 401K Calculator?
A 401(k) calculator projects how much your retirement account will grow based on your contributions, employer match, salary increases, and investment returns. It helps you see whether you're on track for retirement and how changes to your contribution rate affect your final balance.
How to use
- 1 Enter your current age, salary, and existing 401(k) balance.
- 2 Input your contribution percentage and employer match details.
- 3 Set your expected retirement age and annual return rate.
- 4 The calculator shows your projected balance at retirement.
- 5 Adjust contribution rate to see how saving more impacts your outcome.
Formula
Example calculation
A 30-year-old earning $70,000 with a $20,000 balance, contributing 6% with a 3% employer match, at 7% annual return until age 65 would accumulate approximately $1.1 million.
Frequently asked questions
What is an employer match?
An employer match is free money your employer adds to your 401(k). A common match is 100% of the first 3% of your salary you contribute — meaning if you put in 3%, your employer adds another 3%.
What contribution percentage should I aim for?
At minimum, contribute enough to get your full employer match — that's an instant 50–100% return. Financial advisors generally recommend saving 15% of income for retirement (including employer match).
What return rate should I use?
The long-run average return for diversified stock market portfolios is roughly 7% after inflation. Use 6–7% for conservative planning, 8–10% for more optimistic projections.
Can I contribute more than my employer matches?
Yes. You can contribute up to the IRS annual limit ($23,000 in 2024, $30,500 if age 50+). Your employer match only applies to the percentage they agreed to match.
What happens to my 401k if I change jobs?
You can roll it into your new employer's plan or an IRA without taxes or penalties. You keep all vested contributions; employer contributions may vest on a schedule.