Skip to main content
Calculator Hub

401(k) Calculator

Project your 401(k) growth including employer match, checked against IRS contribution limits.

You
Contributions

E.g. employer matches 100% up to 4% of salary.

Enter your numbers and select Calculate to see results.

About This Calculator

This calculator projects your 401(k) balance at retirement based on your salary, contribution percentage, employer match, and expected investment return. It also checks your planned contribution against the current annual IRS employee deferral limit so you don't accidentally over-contribute.

How This Is Calculated

Total Contribution = (Salary × Your %) + (Salary × Employer Match %), compounded monthly

An $85,000 salary with 10% employee contribution and a 4% employer match contributes $11,900/year combined.

Assumptions

  • Employee deferral limit for 2026: $24,500 (IRS Notice 2025-67).
  • Age 50+ catch-up: additional $8,000; ages 60-63 "super" catch-up: $11,250 under SECURE 2.0.
  • Assumes a fixed contribution percentage and constant investment return over the entire period.
  • Does not model vesting schedules on employer match, which some plans require before match funds are fully yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, yes — an employer match is essentially free money and typically the highest guaranteed 'return' available in your financial plan. Contributing at least enough to capture the full match is a common baseline recommendation before prioritizing other savings goals.

Related Calculators

Last updated January 15, 2026. Results are estimates for informational purposes only — read our disclaimer.