Free Retirement Calculator
401(k) Calculator
Estimate how your 401(k) savings could grow by combining your current balance, salary, employee contributions, employer contributions, salary growth, and expected investment return.
Enter your 401(k) details
Estimate how your current balance, contributions, employer match, salary growth, and investment returns could affect your retirement savings.
Enter the amount currently saved in your 401(k).
Enter your current annual salary.
Enter the percentage of your salary you contribute each year.
Enter the estimated employer contribution as a percentage of salary.
Enter an estimated average annual investment return.
401(k) Results
Enter your retirement details
Your estimated retirement balance and contribution breakdown will appear here.
How a 401(k) can grow over time
A 401(k) is a workplace retirement account that allows employees to contribute part of their compensation toward retirement. Depending on the plan, an employer may also make contributions.
Over long periods, retirement savings can grow from a combination of your existing balance, new contributions, employer contributions, and investment returns.
Your Contributions
The percentage of salary you contribute to your 401(k) each year.
Employer Contributions
Additional money your employer may contribute based on the rules of your workplace plan.
Investment Growth
The estimated growth generated from investment returns over time.
401(k) projection example
Suppose you are 35 years old with $50,000 already saved, earn $80,000 per year, contribute 10% of salary, receive an estimated employer contribution equal to 4% of salary, and assume a 7% annual return.
Current 401(k) Balance: $50,000
Annual Salary: $80,000
Employee Contribution: 10%
Employer Contribution: 4%
Annual Salary Increase: 3%
Expected Annual Return: 7%
Current Age: 35
Retirement Age: 65
The calculator applies the salary growth assumption each year, estimates contributions based on salary, and compounds the retirement balance using the return assumption.
Employer match vs. employer contribution
Employer 401(k) formulas vary. Some employers contribute a fixed percentage of salary, while others match part of the employee's contribution up to a limit.
To keep this calculator flexible, the Employer Contribution field represents an estimated employer contribution as a percentage of salary rather than attempting to model every possible matching formula.
Check your actual plan rules
Review your employer's plan documents to understand matching rules, vesting requirements, contribution limits, and other plan conditions.
Why the expected return matters
The assumed annual return can have a large effect on long-term projections because investment growth compounds over time.
However, actual investment returns are not constant. Markets can rise or fall, and future performance cannot be predicted with certainty.
Why starting earlier can matter
A longer investment period generally gives retirement savings more time to compound. Even when contribution amounts remain similar, additional years of potential growth can materially change a long-term projection.
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How does this 401(k) calculator estimate retirement savings?
It starts with your current balance, adds estimated employee and employer contributions each year, adjusts salary using your salary growth assumption, and applies the expected annual investment return.
Does the calculator account for 401(k) contribution limits?
No. The calculator uses the contribution percentages you enter and does not automatically cap contributions based on annual IRS limits.
Does this calculator include taxes?
No. It estimates account growth and does not calculate taxes owed on withdrawals or the tax effects of contributions.
Is employer matching always a percentage of salary?
No. Employer formulas vary widely. This calculator uses a simplified employer contribution percentage so users can estimate the effect of employer contributions.
Is the expected annual return guaranteed?
No. Investment returns fluctuate and may be higher, lower, or negative in individual years. The rate entered is only an assumption for projection purposes.
Does the calculator include investment fees?
No. Investment management fees, fund expenses, administrative fees, and other plan costs are not automatically included.
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
For 2026, the basic employee elective deferral limit for many 401(k) plans is $24,500. Eligible participants age 50 or older may also be allowed to make catch-up contributions, subject to applicable IRS rules and plan terms.
How does an employer 401(k) match work?
Employer matching formulas vary by plan. For example, an employer may contribute a certain amount for each dollar an employee contributes, up to a specified percentage of compensation. Check your plan documents for the actual matching formula.
What does vesting mean in a 401(k)?
Vesting refers to ownership of money in the retirement account. Employee elective contributions are fully vested, while some employer contributions may become vested over time according to the plan's vesting schedule.
2026 contribution-limit information is based on IRS guidance. Retirement plan rules and limits may change, so verify current IRS guidance and your employer's plan documents before making contribution decisions.
This 401(k) calculator is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. Results are hypothetical estimates and do not guarantee future investment performance. Actual retirement balances may differ due to contribution limits, plan rules, employer matching formulas, vesting schedules, taxes, withdrawals, investment returns, fees, salary changes, and other factors.