401(k) Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement with salary raises, the employer match (including two-tier matches), IRS contribution limits with catch-up, fees and inflation, then see the monthly income it could pay.
How it works
Your contribution = salary × your % (capped at the IRS limit) · Match = salary × [min(your %, limit 1) × match 1 + min(your % − limit 1, limit 2) × match 2] · Each month: balance = balance × (1 + (return − fees) ÷ 12) + (your contribution + employer) ÷ 12 · Today’s dollars = balance ÷ (1 + inflation)^years
Each year the calculator works out your salary (raised by the salary increase you enter), your contribution as a percent of that salary, a fixed dollar amount, or the IRS maximum, and the employer money that goes with it. The match pays a percentage of what you put in, but only up to the match limit: a “50% up to 6%” plan pays half of the first 6% of salary you defer. Some plans have a second tier (for example 100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2%), and some pay a non-elective contribution whatever you do; both are under More options. With IRS limits on, your own deferrals stop at the yearly limit ($24,500 in 2026, plus an $8,000 catch-up from age 50 and $11,250 at ages 60–63), and your deferrals plus employer money stop at $72,000; the limits rise with inflation in later years, rounded down the way the IRS rounds them. Contributions go in monthly and the balance grows at the annual return minus fees, divided by 12. The result is also shown in today’s dollars, and as a monthly income that rises with inflation and would use up the balance over your years in retirement.
Worked example
A 35-year-old earning $70,000 contributes 10% ($7,000 in the first year) to a plan that matches 50% up to 6% ($2,100), starting from $25,000. With 2% yearly raises and a 7% return, the balance after 30 years is about $1,336,000: about $284,000 of your own money, about $85,000 of match and about $942,000 of growth. With 2.5% inflation that is about $637,000 in today’s dollars. Spread over 25 years of retirement at a 5% return, it could pay about $6,000 a month to start, rising with inflation (about $2,860 a month in today’s money). Without raises, the same plan reaches about $1,128,000: $25,000 × (1 + 0.07 ÷ 12)^360 plus $758.33 a month compounded for 360 months.
Sources: IRS — 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026 · IRS — Retirement topics: catch-up contributions · IRS — 401(k) and profit-sharing plan contribution limits
Frequently asked questions
What does “50% match up to 6%” mean?
The employer adds 50 cents for every $1 you contribute, but only on contributions up to 6% of your salary. Contribute 6% and you get the full 3%-of-salary match; contribute less and you leave part of it unclaimed. The calculator shows the contribution you need for the full match and how much match you miss.
How much can I contribute in 2026?
You can defer up to $24,500 of salary in 2026. From age 50 you can add an $8,000 catch-up ($32,500 in total), and at ages 60 to 63 the catch-up is $11,250 ($35,750 in total). Your deferrals plus employer contributions are limited to $72,000 (catch-ups not included). Turn on “IRS maximum” to see what maxing out does.
Should I always contribute up to the match?
Almost always — an unclaimed match is money you give up. A common order is: contribute enough to get the full match, pay down high-interest debt, then save more.
Why show the balance in today’s dollars?
A million dollars in 30 years will buy much less than a million today. Dividing by the inflation you expect over the same years shows the balance in today’s spending power, which is easier to compare with your current budget.
How much do fees matter?
A lot over decades. Enter your plan’s expense ratio under More options and the calculator shows how much smaller the balance is than with no fees. On the default plan, a 0.5% yearly fee costs about $127,000 by retirement.
How is the retirement income worked out?
It is the starting monthly withdrawal that rises with inflation each month and uses up the balance over the years in retirement you enter, at the return you expect during retirement. The 4% rule figure is a simpler rule of thumb: 4% of the balance in the first year, divided by 12. Both are before income tax for a traditional 401(k).
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This is an educational estimate, not financial advice. Confirm figures with your lender, advisor or tax professional.