A 401k calculator projects your retirement plan balance from your salary, your contribution rate, your employer match and an average return. Formula: Deferral = min(salary × your%, $24,500 + catch-up: $8,000 at 50+, $11,250 at 60–63). Match = min(salary, $360,000) × match%. FV = fvMonthly(principal, yearly ÷ 12, rate%, years). A $25,000 balance with 9% of a $70,000 salary going in at 7% for 25 years reaches about $568,423.
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How to use the 401k calculator
- Enter your current balance and annual salary.
- Enter your contribution percentage and your employer match as a percentage of salary.
- Enter an annual return and years, then read the projected balance.
How the 401k calculator works
The 401k calculator adds your contribution rate and your employer match rate, applies them to your salary, and spreads the yearly total into 12 equal monthly deposits. It then grows your current balance and the deposits at a steady return, compounded monthly:
- Yearly contribution = salary × (your % + match %)
- FV = B(1 + r)n + (yearly ÷ 12) × ((1 + r)n − 1) ÷ r, with r = return ÷ 12 and n = years × 12
Salary is held flat, so raises are not included.
401k calculator worked example
A worker with a $25,000 balance and a $70,000 salary contributes 6% and gets a 3% match, so $6,300 goes in each year. At 7% for 25 years the 401k calculator projects about $568,423. Raising the employee rate to 10% with a 4% match on a $60,000 salary, starting from zero, gives about $853,980 after 30 years.
| Balance | Salary | You + match | Per year | Return | Years | Projected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0 | $60,000 | 10% + 4% | $8,400 | 7% | 30 | $853,980 |
| $25,000 | $70,000 | 6% + 3% | $6,300 | 7% | 25 | $568,423 |
| $50,000 | $100,000 | 15% + 5% | $20,000 | 6% | 20 | $935,578 |
2026 401(k) limits
For 2026 the IRS limit on employee elective deferrals is $24,500. Workers aged 50 or older can add an $8,000 catch-up, and those aged 60 to 63 can add $11,250 instead. Total contributions from you and your employer cannot exceed $72,000, not counting catch-ups, and pay above $360,000 is not counted. The 401k calculator applies the deferral limit for your age and the $360,000 pay cap, and it notes when your percentage was capped.
How employer matches work
Enter the match as a percentage of salary, not as a percentage of your contribution. A common formula is 50% of what you contribute up to 6% of pay; if you contribute 6% or more, that is a 3% match. If you contribute less than the match cap, you get less, so enter only the match you actually receive. Matches may also have a vesting schedule, so you may lose unvested amounts if you leave early.
Tips
- Contribute at least enough to get the full match.
- Raise your rate by 1% each year or with each raise.
- Use a lower return to allow for fund fees.
Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check current rules with the tax authority or a qualified adviser.
Traditional or Roth 401(k)
Many plans offer both traditional and Roth contributions. Traditional deferrals lower your taxable income now, and withdrawals are taxed later. Roth deferrals are taxed now, and qualified withdrawals, including growth, are tax-free. The $24,500 limit applies to the two combined. Employer matches have traditionally gone into the pre-tax account, although plans may now allow Roth matches. Whichever you choose, the projection is the same before tax; the difference shows up when you withdraw.
If you change jobs, you can usually leave the money in the old plan, roll it to the new plan or roll it to an IRA. Cashing out early generally means income tax plus a 10% additional tax if you are under 59½, and it removes years of compounding, so a rollover usually keeps more of your savings working. Enter the combined balance in the 401k calculator after a rollover to keep the projection current. Review your beneficiary form at the same time.
Related converters and calculators
Related calculators:
- IRA calculator: IRAs
- Roth IRA calculator: Roth IRAs
- Retirement calculator: retirement
- Salary tax calculator: take-home pay
Self-employed savers can compare the solo 401(k) calculator and the SEP IRA calculator.
Sources
IRS IR-2025-111: 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit increases to $7,500; IRS: COLA increases for dollar limitations on benefits and contributions.
Formula and method
Deferral = min(salary × your%, $24,500 + catch-up: $8,000 at 50+, $11,250 at 60–63). Match = min(salary, $360,000) × match%. FV = fvMonthly(principal, yearly ÷ 12, rate%, years).
Applies the 2026 402(g) deferral limit and 401(a)(17) pay cap, notes when capped, and checks inputs are in range.
Questions about this calculator
What is the 2026 401(k) limit?
$24,500 for employee deferrals, plus catch-ups at 50 or older.
How do I enter the match?
As a percentage of salary that you actually receive.
Does it include raises?
No, salary is held flat.
How often does it compound?
Monthly.
Does it apply the IRS caps?
No, keep your contribution within the limit yourself.
Check the assumptions and units before relying on a result. Financial, tax and health estimates do not replace advice for your individual circumstances.
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