401(k) Calculator with Employer Match
Plan for your future based on income, contribution percentage, age, salary increase, and investment return.
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of salary
Projected Balance at Age 65
Balance Projections
Yearly Breakdown (Every 5 Years)
| Age | Balance | Salary | Total Contrib |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | $95,972 | $92,007 | $75,869 |
| 40 | $202,883 | $101,583 | $132,034 |
| 45 | $361,399 | $112,156 | $194,043 |
| 50 | $593,794 | $123,829 | $262,507 |
| 55 | $931,724 | $136,717 | $338,096 |
| 60 | $1,420,142 | $150,947 | $421,553 |
| 65 | $2,122,873 | $166,657 | $513,696 |
How does an employer match affect my retirement savings?
Set your contribution percentage, the employer match percentage, and the salary percentage eligible for matching. Compare the projected balance at retirement with its inflation-adjusted value. The projection does not enforce IRS contribution caps; check the current limits and your plan rules.
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Secure Your Golden Years
A 401(k) is one of the most powerful tools available for building retirement wealth, thanks to its tax advantages and potential employer matching. However, understanding how your current contributions translate into future income can be complex. Our **401(k) Retirement Calculator** projects your account growth over time, helping you determine if you are on track to retire comfortably or if you need to adjust your savings rate.
The magic of a 401(k) lies in compound interest and tax deferral. By contributing pre-tax dollars, you lower your current taxable income while allowing your investments to grow tax-free until withdrawal.
Key Features of a 401(k)
Employer Match: Free Money
Many employers match a percentage of your contributions, often 50% or 100% up to a certain limit (e.g., 3-6% of salary). This is essentially an immediate 50-100% return on your investment. **Always** contribute at least enough to get the full match.
Contribution Limits
The IRS sets annual contribution limits for 401(k) plans. For 2026, the limit is $24,500 for employees under 50. Those aged 50 and older can make additional "catch-up" contributions of $8,000, totaling $32,500. For ages 60–63, a higher $11,250 catch-up can apply, for a total of $35,750. The projection does not enforce annual IRS caps; choose a contribution amount consistent with your plan and eligibility.
Tax Advantages
Traditional 401(k) contributions are tax-deductible, reducing your tax bill today. You only pay taxes when you withdraw the money in retirement. Roth 401(k)s function differently: you pay tax now, but qualified withdrawals are 100% tax-free.
Vesting Schedules
Employer matching funds often vest over time. If you leave your job before being fully vested, you keep your own contributions but may forfeit some or all of the employer match. Check your plan document for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
2026 figures checked on . Source: IRS 2026 retirement contribution limits. Results remain estimates based on the assumptions shown.