401(k) Calculator

Project your 401(k) balance at retirement from your salary, contribution rate, employer match and expected return — and see how much of it is free match money.

Current 401(k) balance ($)

Annual salary ($)

Your contribution (% of salary)

Employer match (% of salary)

Annual return (%)

Years until retirement

Projected balance at retirement

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Your contributions —

Employer match —

Investment growth —

Assumes salary and contribution rates stay constant; IRS contribution limits not enforced here.

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How it works

FV = balance·(1+i)ⁿ + monthly contribution·((1+i)ⁿ−1)/i, i = return/12

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?

At minimum, enough to capture the full employer match — that is an instant 50–100% return. A common overall target is 10–15% of salary including the match; the IRS employee contribution limit is adjusted annually (around $24,000 in recent years, plus catch-up at 50+).

What return should I assume?

Long-run diversified stock portfolios have averaged about 7% after inflation, but conservative planning often uses 5–7% nominal. Try several rates — the calculator updates instantly.

Is the employer match really free money?

Yes, subject to vesting: a 50% match on 6% of salary is an immediate 3%-of-salary raise you only get by contributing. Leaving it unclaimed is the most expensive common retirement mistake.