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401(k) Calculator

Project your 401(k) balance at retirement, including employer match.

Projected balance

$2,180,318.99

Your contributions

$420,000.00

Employer contributions

$105,000.00

Investment growth

$1,645,318.99

Balance by age

What is the 401(k) Calculator?

A 401(k) calculator projects your retirement balance from contributions, employer matching, and investment growth, applying the 2025 IRS contribution limit.

How the calculation works

Your annual contribution (capped at the IRS deferral limit, plus catch-up if 50+) and the employer match are invested each year and grow at your expected return until retirement.

Example

At 30, with $10,000 saved, contributing $12,000/year and a 50%-up-to-6% match on a $100,000 salary at 7%, you could reach well over $1.5M by 65 — with $105,000 in employer match alone.

Tips

  • Always contribute enough to get the full employer match — it is free money.
  • The 2025 employee deferral limit is $23,500 ($31,000 with the 50+ catch-up).
  • Increase contributions with each raise to grow tax-deferred.

Limitations

Assumes a constant return and steady contributions; it does not model taxes on withdrawal or market volatility.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I contribute?

At minimum enough to capture the full employer match; many aim for 10–15% of income including the match.

What is employer matching?

Your employer adds money based on your contributions, often a percentage up to a share of your salary (e.g., 50% up to 6%).

What is the 2025 contribution limit?

$23,500 in employee deferrals, with a $7,500 catch-up at 50+ (and a higher catch-up at ages 60–63).

Roth vs Traditional 401(k)?

Traditional is pre-tax with taxable withdrawals; Roth is after-tax with tax-free qualified withdrawals.

Is the employer match taxed now?

No — matching contributions grow tax-deferred and are taxed on withdrawal in a traditional 401(k).

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Reviewed for the 2025 tax year

See our methodology, data sources, and editorial policy. Educational use only — not financial, tax, or investment advice (disclaimer).