FinanceCalcs
401(k) Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement — including employer match and tax-deferred growth — and see how your contributions compound over time. Adjust your savings rate, salary increases, and expected return to find the strategy that works best for you.
Works for traditional 401(k) plans with employer match and optional salary growth.
401(k) Calculator
Your Contributions: $0 | Employer Match: $0
401(k) Balance at 65: $0
- Total Balance
- Total Contributions
"Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving."
— Warren Buffett
What is a 401(k) calculator?
A 401(k) calculator shows you how your retirement savings can grow over time based on your current balance, salary, contribution rate, employer match, and expected investment return.
One of the most powerful features is the employer match field. Many employers match a portion of your contributions — essentially free money added to your account. Always contribute at least enough to capture the full match; it's an instant return on those dollars.
The calculator projects your balance year by year so you can see exactly how much your 401(k) could be worth at retirement — and how small changes to your contribution rate or timeline make a big difference.
lightbulb Example 401(k) Scenario
Suppose you are 30 years old with a $10,000 current balance, earning a $60,000 salary, and contributing 6% of your salary with a 50% employer match up to 3%. Assuming a 7% annual return and retiring at 65, your 401(k) could grow to over $700,000 by retirement.
If you increased your contribution by just 2% more of your salary, your projected balance could grow by $100,000 or more — thanks to the compounding effect over decades.
Small increases in your contribution rate early in your career can have an outsized impact on your final balance. Use the calculator above to test different scenarios and see how your savings can grow.
Many people use a 401(k) calculator to plan retirement contributions, estimate the value of their employer match, and set savings goals for the future.
401(k) Calculator FAQs
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At minimum, contribute enough to capture your full employer match — otherwise you're leaving free money on the table. Beyond that, many financial advisors suggest saving 10–15% of your income for retirement, including any employer match.
What is an employer match?
An employer match is a contribution your employer makes to your 401(k) based on what you contribute. A common structure is a 50% match on contributions up to 6% of your salary — meaning if you contribute 6%, your employer adds another 3% for a total of 9%.
What is the 401(k) contribution limit?
For 2024, the IRS limit for employee contributions is $23,000 per year ($30,500 if you are age 50 or older). Combined employee and employer contributions cannot exceed $69,000. This calculator applies these limits automatically.
How does tax-deferred growth work?
In a traditional 401(k), your contributions are made pre-tax and your investments grow without being taxed each year. You pay income taxes only when you withdraw funds in retirement, which can significantly accelerate the growth of your savings over time.
401(k) terminology
Current 401(k) Balance
The amount you currently have saved in your 401(k) account. If you are just starting out, this can be zero.
Annual Salary
Your current gross yearly income before taxes. Your contribution and employer match are calculated as a percentage of this amount.
Employer Match
The percentage of your contribution that your employer matches, up to a cap. A 50% match up to 3% of salary means your employer adds up to 1.5% of your salary to your account.
Expected Annual Return
The average yearly investment return you expect your 401(k) to earn. A common assumption is 6–8% based on long-term stock market averages.
Tax-Deferred Growth
Investment gains in a 401(k) are not taxed each year — they compound untouched until withdrawal, dramatically accelerating long-term growth.
Disclaimer: All calculators on this site are provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on the inputs you provide and mathematical formulas — they do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, risk, or other real-world factors that may affect financial outcomes. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Nothing on this site constitutes financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
About FinanceCalcs.net — FinanceCalcs.net is a free financial calculator directory built and maintained by Ted Grajeda. The site exists to give everyone access to fast, accurate financial math — no subscriptions, no paywalls, no signup required. Every calculator runs entirely in your browser using standard financial formulas.