A 401(k) calculator helps you project how much your employer-sponsored retirement account will grow between now and retirement. By factoring in your contributions, employer match, catch-up contributions, salary growth, and expected investment returns, you can see a detailed year-by-year projection of your retirement savings. Use this free tool to optimize your 401(k) strategy and ensure you are capturing every dollar of employer match.
Your Details
Employer Match
Example: "100% match up to 6% of salary" means your employer matches dollar-for-dollar on the first 6% you contribute.
Investment & Plan Type
Pre-tax contributions reduce taxable income now; taxed at withdrawal.
Balance Breakdown
With vs Without Employer Match
Catch-Up Contribution Impact
Year-by-Year Growth
Detailed Yearly Breakdown
| Age | Salary | Your Contrib. | Employer | Growth | Balance |
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How to Use This 401(k) Calculator
Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, but a 401(k) calculator simplifies the process by showing you exactly how your contributions, employer match, and investment returns combine over time. Whether you are just starting your career or approaching retirement, this tool helps you optimize your 401(k) strategy and make the most of your employer-sponsored retirement plan.
Step 1: Enter Your Age and Salary
Start by entering your current age and target retirement age. The calculator uses these to determine your investment timeline and when catch-up contributions become available. Enter your current annual salary — this determines your contribution amounts and employer match. The default 3% annual salary increase accounts for typical raises and promotions over your career.
Step 2: Set Your Contribution Rate
Enter your employee contribution as either a percentage of salary or a fixed dollar amount. The calculator applies 2026 IRS contribution limits: $24,500 for those under 50, plus $7,500 catch-up for ages 50-59 and 64+, and the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up of $11,250 for ages 60-63. If your contribution exceeds the annual limit, the calculator automatically caps it and shows a warning.
Step 3: Configure Employer Match
Enter your employer's match formula. A common match is "100% of the first 6% of salary," meaning your employer matches dollar-for-dollar on the first 6% of pay you contribute. Some employers offer partial matches like "50% up to 6%." The calculator shows you exactly how much free money you receive from your employer and what you leave on the table if you do not contribute enough to capture the full match.
Step 4: Choose Your Return Rate and Plan Type
Select an expected annual return using the presets (Conservative 5%, Moderate 7%, Aggressive 9%) or enter a custom rate. Then choose between Traditional and Roth 401(k). Traditional contributions reduce your taxable income today but are taxed at withdrawal. Roth contributions are made after-tax but grow and withdraw tax-free. The calculator projects your balance under either plan type.
Step 5: Review Your Projection
The results show your projected balance at retirement, broken down by your contributions, employer match, and investment growth. The growth chart visualizes how each component builds over time. The with-vs-without-match comparison shows the enormous impact of employer contributions. If you are 50 or older, the catch-up contribution impact section shows how much extra you can accumulate by using catch-up contributions. All calculations run privately in your browser.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide: 401k Contribution Strategy by Age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this 401(k) calculator free?
Yes, this 401(k) calculator is completely free with no signup, no ads, and no limits. Run unlimited projections with different scenarios to plan your retirement. All calculations happen in your browser.
Is my financial data safe?
Absolutely. All calculations run entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your salary, balance, and contribution data are never sent to any server or stored anywhere. You can disconnect from the internet and the calculator works perfectly.
What are the 2026 401(k) contribution limits?
For 2026, the employee contribution limit is $24,500 for those under 50. Workers aged 50-59 or 64+ can contribute an additional $7,500 catch-up for a total of $32,000. Under SECURE 2.0, workers aged 60-63 get a super catch-up of $11,250 additional, for a total of $35,750.
How does employer match work in a 401(k)?
Employer match is free money your employer contributes to your 401(k) based on your contributions. A common match is 100% of the first 6% of salary. So if you earn $100,000 and contribute 6% ($6,000), your employer also puts in $6,000. This calculator shows you exactly how much employer match you receive over your career.
What is the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up contribution?
SECURE 2.0 Act introduced enhanced catch-up contributions for workers aged 60 to 63. Instead of the standard $7,500 catch-up, they can contribute an additional $11,250 above the base limit, for a total of $35,750 in employee contributions for 2026. This applies to both traditional and Roth 401(k) plans.
Should I choose Traditional or Roth 401(k)?
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income now but are taxed at withdrawal. Roth 401(k) contributions are made after-tax but grow and are withdrawn tax-free. If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, Roth may be better. This calculator shows the projected balance for both options.
What annual return should I use for my 401(k)?
A conservative estimate is 5-6% (heavy bond allocation), moderate is 7% (balanced portfolio), and aggressive is 9-10% (stock-heavy). The historical S&P 500 average is about 10% before inflation. This calculator offers preset return rates to help you model different scenarios.