401K calculator.
Use this free 401k calculator to get fast estimates, compare scenarios, and understand the numbers with clear step-by-step context.
Use the 401K Calculator.
Results update automatically as you type. No account is required.
Enter your 401(k) details
About you
Your timeline sets how many years your 401(k) has to grow.
Your 401(k)
Your balance, salary, and how much you and your employer contribute each year.
Assumptions
Long-run average return and expected yearly salary growth.
Projected 401(k) value at age 65 from a 6% contribution plus a 3% employer match.
About the 401(k) Calculator
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement account that lets you invest part of your paycheck before tax, often with a matching contribution from your employer. This 401(k) calculator projects what your account could be worth at retirement based on your current balance, salary, contribution rate, employer match, expected investment return, and annual raises. It shows how much comes from your own contributions, how much from your employer, and how much from compound growth.
How 401(k) growth is calculated
Each year your contribution is your salary multiplied by your contribution percentage, and the employer match is your salary multiplied by the match percentage. Those amounts are added to your balance and compounded monthly at your expected return, while your salary grows each year by the raise percentage. Over decades, compound growth usually becomes the largest part of the balance, because returns are earned on both your contributions and all previous gains.
Why the employer match matters
An employer match is effectively free money and one of the best returns available anywhere. If your employer matches 50% of contributions up to 6% of salary, contributing at least 6% captures the full match; contributing less leaves money on the table. The calculator separates the employer match from your own contributions so you can see exactly how much the match adds over your career.
Contribution limits
For 2026 the IRS limits employee 401(k) contributions to $24,500, plus an $8,000 catch-up if you are 50 or older. Employer contributions are on top of that. This tool models any contribution percentage you enter, so check that your resulting dollar amount stays within the current annual limit.
How to grow your balance faster
The biggest levers are starting early, contributing enough to capture the full match, increasing your percentage with each raise, keeping fees low, and staying invested through market ups and downs. Try raising your contribution by one or two percentage points in the calculator to see the long-run effect.
Important disclaimer
⚠ Disclaimer: This 401(k) calculator is for general education and planning only and is not financial, tax, or investment advice. Projections assume a constant average return and steady contributions; real markets fluctuate and returns are not guaranteed. It does not account for IRS contribution limits, vesting schedules, fees, inflation, or taxes on withdrawal. Confirm details with your plan administrator or a qualified financial advisor.
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401(k) Calculator FAQ
How much will my 401(k) be worth at retirement?
It depends on your balance, contribution rate, employer match, return, and years invested. Enter your details to see a month-by-month compounded projection of your balance at your chosen retirement age.
How does an employer 401(k) match work?
Your employer adds money based on what you contribute, for example 50% of your contributions up to a percentage of your salary. It is essentially free money, so contributing enough to get the full match is usually the first priority.
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
Employees can contribute up to $24,500 in 2026, plus an $8,000 catch-up contribution if they are 50 or older. Employer contributions are separate and do not count toward your employee limit.
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
A common guideline is at least enough to capture the full employer match, then working toward 10–15% of salary including the match. Use the calculator to see how different percentages change your projected balance.
Does the calculator account for salary raises?
Yes. Enter your expected annual salary growth and the calculator increases your salary, and therefore your contributions, each year.
Is investment growth guaranteed?
No. The calculator uses a constant average return for projection, but real returns vary year to year and can be negative. Treat the result as an estimate, not a promise.
Are 401(k) withdrawals taxed?
Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax, so withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. Roth 401(k) contributions are after-tax, so qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
Is this 401(k) calculator free?
Yes. It is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser, so your figures are never sent anywhere.