401(k) Calculator

Your 401(k) is likely your largest retirement savings vehicle — and the difference between contributing 6% versus 15% of salary can mean $500,000+ more at retirement. This calculator models growth with your specific employer match, contribution rate, and investment allocation.

Our free 401(k) Calculator helps you estimate costs based on 9 key financial variables. The calculator provides 4 detailed outputs based on current rates and financial benchmarks.

Enter your details to get estimates based on current financial data as of 2026.

What you'll learn:

• Accurate 401(k) calculator estimates based on your specific inputs
• Low, average, and high cost ranges for budgeting
• How local factors impact pricing
• Strategies for maximizing your financial outcome

Understanding the cost breakdown helps you budget effectively for your 401(k) calculator project. Here are the typical cost components:

Our 401(k) calculator uses a multi-variable formula that accounts for the following inputs:

1. Scenario Complexity — Choose from: Basic / Standard, Typical, Advanced / Complex
2. Current Age — Range: 18 to 80
3. Retirement Age — Range: 50 to 80
4. Annual Salary ($) — Range: 10,000 to 1,000,000
5. Contribution (%) — 2026 max: $24,500 ($32,500 if 50+)
6. Employer Match (%) — Employer match percentage
7. Match Limit (% of salary) — Range: 0 to 20
8. Current Balance ($) — Range: 0 to 10,000,000
9. Expected Annual Return (%) — Range: 0 to 15

Based on your inputs, the calculator provides:

• Projected Balance at Retirement — Dollar amount based on current market rates
• Total Contributions — Dollar amount based on current market rates
• Employer Contributions — Dollar amount based on current market rates
• Est. Monthly Retirement Income — Dollar amount based on current market rates

All calculations incorporate location-specific cost adjustments when a ZIP code is provided, using data from industry databases updated for 2026.

Projects 401(k) balance growth over time by modeling employee contributions, employer matching (various formulas), vesting schedules, investment returns across asset allocations, and the tax advantage of pre-tax vs. Roth contributions. Compares outcomes at different contribution rates.

Data Sources:

• IRS Publication 560 for 401(k) contribution limits and catch-up provisions
• Vanguard How America Saves report for average employer match rates and participant behavior
• Bureau of Labor Statistics National Compensation Survey for employer match prevalence and formulas

Key Assumptions:

• 2026 contribution limits: $23,500 employee (under 50), $31,000 with catch-up (50-59, 64+), $34,750 super catch-up (60-63)
• Most common employer match: 50% of first 6% of salary (effectively 3% free money)
• Default investment return assumption: 7% real (10% nominal minus 3% inflation) for diversified stock/bond portfolio

Several factors influence your 401(k) calculator estimate:

Scenario Complexity

Ranges from "Basic / Standard" to "Advanced / Complex." Choosing Advanced / Complex can cost 1.5x more than Basic / Standard.

Current Age

A key variable in determining your 401(k) calculator estimate.

Retirement Age

A key variable in determining your 401(k) calculator estimate.

Annual Salary ($)

A key variable in determining your 401(k) calculator estimate.

Contribution (%)

2026 max: $24,500 ($32,500 if 50+)

Employer Match (%)

Employer match percentage

Match Limit (% of salary)

A key variable in determining your 401(k) calculator estimate.

Current Balance ($)

A key variable in determining your 401(k) calculator estimate.

Expected Annual Return (%)

A key variable in determining your 401(k) calculator estimate.

Market Conditions

Interest rates, inflation, and economic indicators fluctuate over time and directly affect your results. Federal Reserve policy changes can shift rates within weeks.

Time Horizon

Longer time horizons amplify the effect of compound interest and rate changes. Even small rate differences compound into significant dollar amounts over years.

After you run the calculator, your results include interactive sections that help you make informed decisions:

Financial Breakdown

Your results separate principal from interest (or contributions from earnings) so you can see exactly how your money is working. Understanding this split helps you evaluate whether refinancing, extra payments, or alternative strategies could save you money over time.

Visual Chart

Charts make it easy to grasp the relationship between what you pay and what you owe (or what you save and what you earn). A quick look at the visual split helps you decide whether your current approach is on track or whether adjustments to your payment or contribution strategy could improve your outcome.

Payment or Growth Schedule

The schedule shows how your balance changes period by period — whether that is a loan being paid down or savings growing over time. Each row shows the split between principal and interest (or contributions and earnings), so you can see exactly when you cross key milestones. This long-range view helps you plan major financial decisions with confidence rather than guesswork.

Save and Share Your Results

Download your complete results as a CSV spreadsheet or PDF report. The PDF includes all your inputs, key results, and schedule data — ready to share with lenders, financial advisors, or anyone else who needs to review the numbers. No account or signup required.

Here are proven strategies to reduce your costs:

1. Compare Rates from Multiple Lenders: Shop rates from at least 3 lenders. Even a 0.25% difference in interest rate can save thousands over time.
2. Automate Your Savings: Set up automatic transfers to savings or investment accounts. Consistent contributions compound significantly over time.
3. Maximize Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Contribute to 401(k) up to employer match, then fund IRA/Roth IRA. Tax-advantaged growth accelerates your returns.
4. Reduce High-Interest Debt First: Pay off credit cards and high-APR loans before investing. Eliminating 18-25% APR debt is a guaranteed return.
5. Review Fees and Expense Ratios: High fund fees erode returns. Index funds with 0.03-0.10% expense ratios outperform most actively managed funds over time.
6. Use Balance Transfer Offers Strategically: 0% APR balance transfer offers can save hundreds in interest — but pay off before the promotional period ends.