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401(k) Calculator

Updated 2026

A 401k calculator helps you project your retirement savings including employer match contributions. See how your deferrals, company match, and investment growth add up over time.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your current age, current 401(k) balance, and annual salary. Set your employee contribution percentage and your employer's match rate and cap — for example, "100% match up to 6% of salary." Enter your expected annual return and target retirement age. Click Project Savings to see your estimated balance at retirement, total personal contributions, and the total employer match earned.

How It's Calculated

The 401(k) projection uses the future value formula:

FV = Current_Balance × (1 + r/n)^(n×t) + Total_Contribution_Per_Period × [ ((1 + r/n)^(n×t) − 1) / (r/n) ]

Total Contribution Per Period = Employee Contribution + Employer Match. The employer match is capped by the plan's formula and the annual IRS contribution limit ($23,500 for 2026). The calculator assumes monthly compounding consistent with payroll contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

A good starting point is to contribute at least enough to get your full employer match — that's free money. Beyond that, a common target is 10–15% of your pre-tax income including the match. In 2026, the IRS contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 including catch-up for those 50+). If you can max out your 401(k), you'll be well ahead of most savers. The earlier you increase contributions, the more time compound growth has to work.
An employer match is free money your company adds to your 401(k) based on your own contributions. A common structure is "100% match on the first 3% of salary, then 50% match on the next 2%." If you earn $60,000 and contribute 5% ($3,000), your employer adds $2,400 (100% of 3% = $1,800 + 50% of 2% = $600). That's an immediate 80% return on your contribution. Always contribute enough to capture the full match — it's the best guaranteed return you'll ever get.
For 2026, the employee contribution limit for 401(k) plans is $23,500, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution allowed for those aged 50 and over, for a total of $31,000. The total contribution limit (including employer contributions) is $70,000 or $77,500 with catch-up. These limits are adjusted periodically for inflation. Note that your specific plan may have additional restrictions based on your salary and plan design.

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