401(k) Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement with employee + employer contributions, salary growth, and market returns.
Details
Result
401(k) at Retirement
$3,226,987
Your Contributions
$513,928
Employer Match
$154,178
Investment Gains
$2,533,881
How 401(k) works
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement account. You contribute pre-tax dollars from your paycheck (reducing current-year taxable income). Many employers offer a match — free money you should always capture in full. Your balance grows tax-deferred until withdrawal (typically after age 59½).
Maximize the employer match first
If your employer matches 50% of the first 6% of salary you contribute, contributing at least 6% is a 50% instant return — unbeatable anywhere. Then consider IRAs and other accounts for additional savings.
Traditional vs Roth 401(k)
Traditional: contribute pre-tax, pay tax at withdrawal. Roth: contribute after-tax, withdrawals tax-free. If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket at retirement (common for young professionals), Roth wins. If you\'re peak-earning now and will be lower in retirement, Traditional wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know, in one place.
What is the 2026 401(k) contribution limit?
Projected $23,500 for employees under 50, $31,000 with catch-up (50+). Super catch-up for ages 60-63: $34,750. Employer + employee combined limit: $70,000.
How much should I contribute to get full employer match?
At minimum, contribute enough to capture the full match — it's free money. Common: employer matches 50% of first 6% of salary. So contribute ≥ 6% to get the full 3% employer contribution.
Traditional vs Roth 401(k) — which is better?
Traditional: tax deduction now, taxed at withdrawal. Roth: after-tax now, tax-free at withdrawal. Young + lower bracket + expecting higher future tax rate → Roth wins. Older + high bracket now → Traditional often wins.
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