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401k Calculator - Retirement Savings Growth

Free 401k calculator to project your retirement savings. See how contributions, employer match, and compound growth build your nest egg over time.

401k Calculator

Project your retirement savings with employer match

years

Your age today.

years

Age you plan to retire.

$

How much you have saved now.

$

Your current yearly salary.

%

Percentage of salary you contribute.

%

Employer matches X% of your contribution.

%

Employer matches up to this % of salary.

%

Expected investment return (7% is typical).

%

Expected yearly raise percentage.

Your 401k Projection

Enter your values to see results

and click the "Calculate" button

What is a 401k?

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan that lets you contribute pre-tax dollars from your paycheck. Many employers match a portion of your contributions - essentially free money. Your investments grow tax-deferred until retirement. This calculator projects how your 401(k) will grow based on contributions, employer match, and investment returns.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your current age and retirement age
  2. Enter your current 401k balance
  3. Enter your annual salary
  4. Set your contribution percentage
  5. Enter your employer's match terms
  6. Set expected investment return (7% default)
  7. Click Calculate to see projections

401k Growth Formula

FV = PV(1+r)^n + PMT × [(1+r)^n - 1] / r

FV = Future Value, PV = Present balance, r = Monthly return rate, n = Months until retirement, PMT = Monthly contribution + match.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I contribute to my 401k?
At minimum, contribute enough to get the full employer match (free money!). Ideally, aim for 10-15% of salary. The 2026 contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if 50+).
What is employer matching?
Many employers match your contributions up to a limit. Example: 50% match up to 6% means if you contribute 6% of salary, employer adds 3%. That's an instant 50% return on your money!
What is a good 401k return rate?
Historically, diversified stock funds average 7-10% annually over long periods. Conservative estimate: 6-7%. Aggressive: 8-10%. Returns vary year to year - this is a long-term average.
Traditional 401k vs Roth 401k?
Traditional: Pre-tax contributions, pay taxes on withdrawals. Roth: After-tax contributions, tax-free withdrawals. Choose Roth if you expect higher taxes in retirement, Traditional if you expect lower.
When can I withdraw from my 401k?
Penalty-free withdrawals start at age 59½. Early withdrawals face 10% penalty plus income tax. Some exceptions: disability, medical expenses, Rule of 55 (leave job at 55+).
What is the 4% rule?
Withdraw 4% of your portfolio annually in retirement. A $1 million portfolio = $40,000/year ($3,333/month). This strategy historically sustains 30+ years of retirement.
Should I max out my 401k?
If you can afford it, yes! Max contribution grows tax-free for decades. Priority: 1) Get full employer match. 2) Pay off high-interest debt. 3) Max out 401k. 4) Other investments.
What happens to my 401k if I leave my job?
Options: 1) Leave it with old employer. 2) Roll over to new employer's 401k. 3) Roll over to IRA (more investment choices). 4) Cash out (penalties + taxes - avoid this!).

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