401K Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement, including your contributions and employer match.
How this calculator works
Your contribution and the employer match (a percentage of your contribution, up to typical limits) are added monthly and compounded at your expected return, alongside your current balance.
Employer match is modeled as a percentage of your own contribution.
Contribution limits and catch-up contributions
The IRS sets annual limits on how much you can contribute to a 401(k), which adjust periodically for inflation. Workers age 50 and older are typically allowed additional 'catch-up' contributions beyond the standard limit, letting them accelerate savings closer to retirement.
This calculator doesn't cap contributions at IRS limits, so double-check your inputs against current limits if you're contributing a high percentage of a large salary — exceeding limits can trigger tax complications that are worth avoiding.
A worked example
A 30-year-old earning $70,000, contributing 6% with a 50% employer match, investing until 65 (35 years) at a 7% return: your contributions total about $91,000, the employer match adds about $45,500, and combined with a $15,000 starting balance, the projected balance is roughly $520,000 — with the rest coming from compound growth.
Notice the employer match alone contributes tens of thousands of dollars over time — which is why capturing the full match is often called one of the highest-value financial moves available to most workers.
Vesting schedules and contribution limits
Employer matching contributions are sometimes subject to a vesting schedule, meaning you only fully own the matched funds after working at the company for a certain period. Leaving before you're fully vested can mean forfeiting some or all of the employer match — worth checking your plan's specific schedule.
The IRS sets annual contribution limits for 401(k) plans that adjust periodically for inflation. High earners contributing a large percentage of their salary should check the current-year limit to avoid over-contributing, which can trigger tax complications.
Frequently asked questions
Should I contribute enough to get the full employer match?
Generally yes — an employer match is effectively free money, and missing it is one of the most common ways people leave value on the table.
Does this account for contribution limits?
No — this is a simplified projection. Check current IRS annual 401(k) contribution limits if you're contributing a high percentage of a large salary.
What happens if I leave my job — can I keep my 401(k)?
Yes — you can typically leave it with your former employer's plan, roll it into your new employer's plan, or roll it into an IRA, each with different pros and cons worth researching.
Is Roth or traditional 401(k) better?
Traditional contributions reduce taxable income now with taxes owed on withdrawal; Roth contributions are taxed now but grow tax-free. The better choice often depends on whether you expect to be in a higher or lower tax bracket in retirement.
What happens to my employer match if I leave my job?
It depends on your plan's vesting schedule — some employers require a certain number of years of service before you fully own matched contributions, so check your specific plan documents.
Is there a penalty for withdrawing from a 401(k) early?
Withdrawals before age 59½ generally incur a 10% early withdrawal penalty on top of ordinary income tax, with some exceptions for specific circumstances — early withdrawal is generally discouraged given the impact on long-term growth.