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401(k) Calculator

Project your 401(k) balance with employer match, contribution %, and 30-year growth.

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401(k) Projection

Projected Balance at Retirement

$889,146

Your Contributions

$160,000

Employer Match

$67,500

Investment Gains

$661,646

Balance Breakdown

Yours: $160,000 Match: $67,500 Gains: $661,646
Researched by CentCalc Financial Editorial TeamData: IRS 2026 401(k) limit $24,500 + standard compound formula

How This Is Calculated

This 401(k) calculator projects your balance using the compound interest formula, applying your contribution rate and an employer match.

Compound growth: A = P(1+r/n)^(nt) + PMT × [((1+r/n)^(nt) − 1) / (r/n)], where P is current balance, r is annual return (default 7%), n = 12 (monthly compounding), t = years to retirement, and PMT = your monthly contribution + employer match.

Employer match model: 50% match on the first 6% of salary (the most common formula per BLS 2024 data). If you contribute 6% of a $75,000 salary ($4,500/year), your employer adds $2,250/year.

2026 contribution limits: $24,500 employee elective deferral (under 50), $8,000 catch-up for ages 50+ (total $32,500), $11,250 enhanced catch-up for ages 60–63 (total $35,750, SECURE 2.0). Employer match does not count toward the employee limit.

See our full methodology for every formula, data source, and assumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does employer match work?
Employer match is free money. A common formula is "50% match on the first 6% of salary" — meaning if you earn $75,000 and contribute 6% ($4,500), your employer adds $2,250. Always contribute at least enough to capture the full match; failing to do so leaves compensation on the table. The match does NOT count toward your $24,500 employee contribution limit, but the combined employee + employer total is capped at $69,000 for 2026.
What is the 2026 401(k) limit?
The 2026 employee elective deferral limit is $24,500 (under 50). Workers 50+ can add a $8,000 catch-up for a total of $32,500. Under SECURE 2.0, ages 60–63 get an enhanced catch-up of $11,250 (total $35,750).
Traditional vs Roth 401(k) — which is better?
Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax (lower taxable income now, taxed on withdrawal in retirement). Roth 401(k) contributions are after-tax (no deduction now, but tax-free withdrawals in retirement). Rule of thumb: if you expect a HIGHER marginal rate in retirement than today, choose Roth; if lower, choose Traditional. Many plans let you split contributions between both.
Should I contribute more than the employer match?
Yes, if you can afford it. The match is the floor, not the ceiling. Aiming for 15% of gross income (your contribution + match) is Fidelity's benchmark. Once you hit the match, prioritize: (1) high-interest debt, (2) 3–6 month emergency fund, (3) max the 401(k) to $24,500, (4) IRA, (5) taxable brokerage.
What happens to my 401(k) if I change jobs?
Four options: (1) Leave it in the old plan (if balance > $7,000); (2) Roll into your new employer's plan (if accepted); (3) Roll into an IRA — preserves tax-deferred status and often broadens investment choices; (4) Cash out — NEVER do this before age 59½ unless absolutely necessary, as it triggers income tax plus a 10% penalty. Option 3 (rollover to IRA) is the most common choice.

Related Calculators

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Compound

See how compound interest grows your savings over time.

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Estimates only. Assumes constant 7% return; real markets are volatile. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Not financial advice.