401(k) Retirement Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement, including employer match and IRS limits.
Enter your values to calculate your result.
Formula
Each year, your contribution (a percentage of salary) and your employer's match are added to your balance, which then grows at your expected annual return. Your contribution is capped at the IRS annual elective-deferral limit for your age — $24,500 for 2026, plus an $8,000 catch-up from age 50, or an $11,250 "super catch-up" for ages 60-63.
Example
Starting at age 30 with a $10,000 balance, a $70,000 salary, 6% contribution, 3% employer match, and 7% expected return, your balance after 3 years would be about $32,504.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my contribution capped?
The IRS limits how much you can personally contribute to a 401(k) each year (the elective-deferral limit) — for 2026 that's $24,500, with an additional catch-up amount if you're 50 or older. Your employer's match doesn't count against this personal limit.
Does this account for taxes?
No — this projects the account balance only. Traditional 401(k) withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income in retirement; Roth 401(k) contributions are taxed now but grow tax-free.