401k Calculator
Estimate your retirement savings with employer matching. See projected growth and monthly retirement income.
Results
Balance at Retirement
$0
at age 65
0%
Growth
Your Contributions
Employer Match
Investment Growth
Your Contributions
$0
Employer Match
$0
Investment Growth
$0
Illustrative Monthly Amount (4%)
$0
401k Growth Over Time
Understanding Your 401k
2026 Contribution Limits
$24,500
Employee elective-deferral limit. If your plan permits catch-ups, the general age-50 limit is $8,000; people attaining age 60–63 in 2026 may use the higher $11,250 catch-up. The projection repeats the contribution rate you enter and does not automatically enforce current or future limits. IRS source.
Employer Match = Free Money
An employer match can materially increase contributions. Review the plan's formula, vesting schedule, eligibility rules, fees, and your cash-flow needs when deciding how much to contribute.
Tax Advantages
Traditional 401(k) elective deferrals generally reduce current federal taxable income and distributions are generally taxable. Designated Roth contributions are after-tax and qualified distributions may be tax-free. State treatment and individual circumstances vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
For 2026, the employee elective-deferral limit is $24,500. If your plan permits catch-up contributions, the general age-50 catch-up is $8,000, while participants who attain age 60, 61, 62, or 63 in 2026 may use the higher $11,250 catch-up. Employer contributions are governed by a separate overall plan limit. See the IRS contribution-limit guidance.
Employer matching is when your company contributes money to your 401k based on your contributions. A common match is 50% of your contribution up to 6% of salary. For example, if you earn $100,000 and contribute 6% ($6,000), your employer adds 50% of that ($3,000). This is essentially free money - always contribute enough to get the full match.
The 4% rule is a historical rule of thumb that starts withdrawals at 4% of a portfolio and adjusts later withdrawals for inflation. It is not a guarantee that savings will last: retirement length, asset mix, fees, taxes, spending changes, and market returns all matter. This calculator shows only an illustrative first-year amount.
Traditional 401(k) elective deferrals generally reduce current federal taxable income and distributions are generally taxable. Designated Roth contributions are made after tax and qualified distributions may be tax-free. The appropriate mix depends on plan rules, eligibility, current and future tax circumstances, and other financial goals.