A 401(k) calculator estimates your account balance at retirement based on your contributions, employer match, and expected rate of return.
The amount already in your account.
Your annual salary, used for the match and coverage math.
2026 limit: $24,500, or $32,500 if you are 50 or older.
Cents matched per dollar you contribute.
Up to this share of salary.
The rate you expect your investments to grow each year.
A common guideline is 70% to 80% of pre-retirement income.
How long your balance needs to last.
After 25 years of contributions and growth. That covers about 94% of your estimated retirement expenses.
Added each year on top of yours
Earned on top of what you put in
Projections assume a steady contribution and a constant rate of return. Actual results vary with markets, raises, and plan rules.
These results are estimates, not predictions. They're calculated from the figures you entered and assume your rate of return and inflation rate hold steady every year, which real markets don't do. Change any input and the result changes. Use this to compare scenarios, not to plan around a specific number.
Enter your current age, planned retirement age, current 401(k) balance, annual contribution amount, employer match details, expected annual return, and current income. The calculator shows your projected balance at retirement and the percentage of your estimated retirement expenses it will cover.
Current age and planned retirement age set the number of years your account has to grow before retirement.
Current 401(k) balance is the amount already in your account.
Annual contribution amount is the amount you contribute to your 401(k) each year. For 2026, the contribution limit is $24,500, or $32,500 if you are 50 or older.
Employer match is the amount your employer contributes based on your own contributions, often up to a set percentage of your salary.
Expected annual return is the rate you expect your investments to grow each year.
Current income and estimated retirement expenses are used to calculate what percentage of your retirement needs your 401(k) balance will cover.
Withdrawals before age 59½ are taxed as ordinary income and may include a 10% penalty. Required minimum distributions begin at age 73 or 75, depending on your birth year.
A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan offered through an employer. Contributions are deducted directly from your paycheck and invested in a menu of options your employer selects, typically a mix of mutual funds or target-date funds.
401(k) plans come in two types. A traditional 401(k) uses pre-tax contributions, which lowers your taxable income today, with withdrawals taxed as ordinary income in retirement. A Roth 401(k) uses after-tax contributions, with qualified withdrawals tax-free in retirement.
Many employers match a portion of employee contributions, commonly up to a set percentage of salary. An employer match is added to your account on top of your own contribution.
Employer contributions may vest over time, meaning you gain full ownership of matched funds only after working for the company for a specified period. Your own contributions are always fully vested.
401(k) balances stay with you when you change jobs. Options include leaving the balance in the old plan, rolling it into a new employer's plan, or rolling it into an IRA.
Your 401(k) is one part of your retirement income plan. A fiduciary financial advisor can help you set a contribution rate and confirm you're getting your full employer match. Matching with an advisor is free and comes with no pressure to commit.
100% free · No obligation · No cold calls
