USA: Retirement & savings
401(k) Calculator
See how your 401(k) can grow by the time you retire. Enter your age, balance, salary and contribution, plus your employer match. The projection applies the 2026 contribution limit and catch-up amounts and shows how much comes from you, your employer and investment growth.
How to use the 401(k) Calculator
- Enter your age, planned retirement age and current balance.
- Enter your salary and the % you contribute.
- Enter the employer match and its limit.
- Set expected returns and salary growth.
Formula
Example
A 30-year-old earning $70,000 who saves 8% with a 50% match up to 6% and a $25,000 start could reach about $1.78 million by 65 at 7% a year (in future dollars).
2026 limits
- Employee contribution: $24,500
- Catch-up age 50+: $8,000 extra
- Ages 60-63: $11,250 extra instead
Get the full match
An employer match is an instant return on your money. If your company matches 50% up to 6%, contributing at least 6% earns an extra 3% of salary every year.
Related free tools
Frequently asked questions
Roth or traditional 401(k)?
Traditional lowers tax now; Roth grows tax free for later. See the Roth vs Traditional calculator.
What return should I assume?
Many planners use 5-7% for a diversified mix over decades. Returns are never guaranteed.
Are the results in today's dollars?
No, they are future dollars. Inflation reduces what they will buy.
What is the 4% rule?
A guideline that withdrawing about 4% of savings in the first year of retirement, adjusted for inflation, has historically lasted 30 years.
Results are estimates for planning, not financial advice. Confirm important decisions with a qualified professional. Your inputs stay in your browser and are not sent to Soft2Cloud.
Last updated: November 2026