401(k) Calculator
Enter your salary, contribution rate, employer match and a few assumptions. We project your balance at retirement, year by year.
Illustrative only. Returns are assumed steady; real markets fluctuate. This is not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
How does a 401(k) employer match work?
Many employers match a portion of your contributions — commonly 50% of what you put in, up to 6% of your salary. If you earn $70,000 and contribute 6% ($4,200), a 50%-up-to-6% match adds another $2,100 a year for free. You usually have to contribute to get the match, so capture the full match before saving elsewhere.
What is the annual 401(k) contribution limit?
The IRS caps employee deferrals and indexes the limit to inflation each year (it was $23,500 for 2025). Employer contributions are separate and have a higher combined ceiling. If you are 50 or older you can make additional catch-up contributions.
Traditional or Roth 401(k)?
Traditional contributions go in pre-tax and you pay income tax when you withdraw; Roth contributions are after-tax and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Choose Roth if you expect a higher tax bracket in retirement, traditional if you want the tax break now.
Is a 401(k) better than an IRA?
A 401(k) often wins because of the employer match — an immediate 50%+ return you cannot get in an IRA. Max the match first, then consider an IRA for more investment choices, then go back to the 401(k).