401(k) Calculator

Project your 401(k) balance at retirement

% of your contribution employer matches

Balance at Retirement: $0
Your Contributions: $0
Employer Match: $0
Investment Growth: $0
Years to Retirement: 0

2025 401(k) Contribution Limits

  • Employee contribution limit: $23,500 (under 50)
  • Catch-up contribution (50+): additional $7,500 ($31,000 total)
  • Combined employee + employer cap: $70,000 (under 50)

This calculator does not enforce the IRS cap — verify your contributions don't exceed the limit for your age bracket.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a typical employer match?

The most common formula is 50% match on the first 6% of salary you contribute. So if you make $80,000 and contribute 6% ($4,800), employer adds $2,400. Always contribute at least enough to get the full match — it's free money.

Traditional 401(k) vs Roth 401(k)?

Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax (reduce your taxable income now, taxed on withdrawal). Roth 401(k) contributions are after-tax (no tax in retirement). This calculator's "projected balance" applies to either, but Roth gives you the full balance tax-free.

What return rate should I use?

The S&P 500 has averaged roughly 10% nominal / 7% real return over the long run. Use 6-8% for a moderate estimate. Don't extrapolate the last few years — use a long-term average.