Calculators/401k calculator

401(k) Calculator

Project 401(k) growth with employee contributions, employer match, and an expected return rate. You can also model salary growth and contribution increases to see how small changes compound over time.

Inputs
$
$
%
Advanced (match, growth)
%
%
%
%
Models increasing your contribution percent each year (e.g., 3% increases 10% to 10.3%).
%

Projection

Projected balance
$2,454,322.97
Employee contributions$483,696.65
Employer contributions$145,109.00
Growth$1,800,517.32
Years35
Assumes annual contributions and constant annual return.

Year-by-year

YearAgeSalaryEmployeeEmployerEnd balance
131$80,000$8,000$2,400$37,878
232$82,400$8,240$2,472$51,991
333$84,872$8,487$2,546$67,436
434$87,418$8,742$2,623$84,317
535$90,041$9,004$2,701$102,744
636$92,742$9,274$2,782$122,836
737$95,524$9,552$2,866$144,722
838$98,390$9,839$2,952$168,539
939$101,342$10,134$3,040$194,433
1040$104,382$10,438$3,131$222,563
1141$107,513$10,751$3,225$253,097
1242$110,739$11,074$3,322$286,218
1343$114,061$11,406$3,422$322,119
1444$117,483$11,748$3,524$361,009
1545$121,007$12,101$3,630$403,112
1646$124,637$12,464$3,739$448,667
1747$128,377$12,838$3,851$497,931
1848$132,228$13,223$3,967$551,179
1949$136,195$13,619$4,086$608,706
2050$140,280$14,028$4,208$670,828
2151$144,489$14,449$4,335$737,885
2252$148,824$14,882$4,465$810,238
2353$153,288$15,329$4,599$888,277
2454$157,887$15,789$4,737$972,418
2555$162,624$16,262$4,879$1,063,109
2656$167,502$16,750$5,025$1,160,826
2757$172,527$17,253$5,176$1,266,082
2858$177,703$17,770$5,331$1,379,426
2959$183,034$18,303$5,491$1,501,446
3060$188,525$18,853$5,656$1,632,771
3161$194,181$19,418$5,825$1,774,076
3262$200,006$20,001$6,000$1,926,082
3363$206,007$20,601$6,180$2,089,563
3464$212,187$21,219$6,366$2,265,348
3565$218,552$21,855$6,557$2,454,323

How to use it

  • Enter current age, retirement age, and current 401(k) balance.
  • Enter salary and your contribution rate (or amount).
  • Enter employer match assumptions (match rate and cap).
  • Review projected balance and contribution breakdown.

Key formulas

Employer match (common structure)
Match = salary × min(employeeContributionRate, matchCapRate) × matchRate

FAQ

No. This is a projection model. Contribution limits and catch-up rules change; verify current limits using IRS guidance.

A common structure is “match X% of contributions up to Y% of salary.” For example, 50% match up to 6% means the employer adds 3% if you contribute at least 6%.

No. Returns vary. Use conservative assumptions and compare multiple scenarios.

Some 401(k) plans have fund and admin fees. If you want to model fees, subtract an estimated fee rate from the expected return.

This tool projects account balance growth; tax treatment depends on contribution type and withdrawal rules. Consult a tax professional for tax-specific planning.

Sources

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Disclaimer

Estimates only; not financial or tax advice. Plan rules, vesting, fees, and tax laws vary. Confirm specifics with your plan administrator and a qualified professional.

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