401k Calculator & Guide
Estimate how your current 401(k) balance, contributions, employer matching and investment growth could add up by your target retirement age.
Enter a few assumptions to create an illustrative estimate of how your 401(k) balance could grow over time.
Adjust the inputs to see the estimate update instantly.
Illustrative projection based on your inputs.
The calculator combines your current account, contributions, employer matching assumptions and estimated investment growth.
Your starting 401(k) balance provides the initial amount that can potentially compound over the remaining years.
Your contribution percentage is applied to your projected annual salary to estimate future employee contributions.
The calculator estimates an employer contribution using the match percentage and salary cap you enter.
An assumed annual return is used to illustrate how the account could compound over time.
The number of years between your current age and target retirement age affects the compounding period.
A salary-growth assumption allows projected contributions to increase over time rather than staying fixed.
The calculation uses a simplified annual-compounding model to create an educational projection.
Your current 401(k) balance becomes the starting value.
Employee contributions and estimated employer matching contributions are added each year.
The selected annual return is applied to the projected account balance.
The process repeats until the selected retirement age.
The calculator estimates contributions from your selected percentage, but actual contributions are subject to applicable IRS and plan limits.
For 2026, the basic employee elective-deferral limit for most 401(k) plans is $24,500.
Eligible participants age 50 and older may be able to make additional catch-up contributions if the plan permits them.
Use specialized calculators when you want to focus on one part of your retirement plan.
The calculator works best when you understand the plan features behind the numbers.
Common questions about estimating 401(k) retirement savings.
The calculator starts with your current balance, adds estimated employee and employer contributions each year, and applies the selected annual investment-return assumption until your target retirement age.
There is no guaranteed investment return. This calculator lets you test different assumptions so you can see how the projection changes. Actual returns can vary substantially from year to year.
Yes. You can enter an employer match percentage and a salary-based match cap. The estimate assumes your plan uses the matching structure represented by those inputs. Actual plan formulas can differ.
The calculator uses the current 2026 standard employee elective-deferral limit as a reference when displaying contribution information, but your actual plan contribution rules can differ. Always verify your applicable limit and plan provisions before making contribution decisions.
Yes. The salary-growth input allows the calculator to increase projected salary annually. Your contribution percentage and employer-match assumptions are then applied to the projected salary.
No. The result is an educational estimate, not a guarantee. Investment returns, contributions, salary changes, fees, inflation, taxes and plan rules can all affect an actual retirement account balance.
Explore contribution, employer-match, growth, Roth and retirement calculators across 401k.blog.
Explore All 401(k) Calculators →Clear guides, useful calculators and practical retirement resources to help you understand your 401(k), contributions, employer matching, Roth options, rollovers and long-term savings.
© Copyright 2026. All Rights Reserved.