401(k) Calculator

Free 401(k) calculator — project your retirement balance with employer match, salary growth, and compound returns. See exactly how much comes from your contributions vs. employer match vs. investment growth.

Balance at Retirement
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Employer Match
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Total Contributions
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Investment Growth
$0
1865
5075
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$0$500K
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$30K$300K
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$0$23,500
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0%10%
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0%100%
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1%15%
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0%10%

Balance Over Time

Formula Used

Each Year: salary = salary × (1 + raise%) your_contrib = min(annual_contribution, IRS_limit) employer_match = min(your_contrib × match%, salary × match_cap%) total_contrib = your_contrib + employer_match balance = (balance + total_contrib) × (1 + return%) At Retirement: Final Balance = balance Investment Growth = Final Balance - Total Contributions - Total Match

How This 401(k) Calculator Works

Our 401(k) calculator projects your retirement balance year by year, accounting for your contributions, employer match, salary growth, and compound investment returns. It shows exactly how much of your final balance comes from your own contributions vs. employer match vs. investment growth.

What's Included

  • Compounding returns: Your balance earns returns each year, and those returns earn returns — the engine of long-term growth
  • Employer match: Free money your employer adds based on your contributions, capped per your plan rules
  • Salary growth: Annual raises increase your contribution dollar amount (and the match) over time
  • IRS limits: Annual contributions capped at the 2026 limit of $23,500
  • With/without match toggle: See the staggering difference employer matching makes

The Power of Employer Match

On a $75,000 salary with a 4% match and 10% contribution:

  • Over 30 years, the employer match alone adds ~$200,000+ to your balance
  • That match money also compounds — earning returns year after year
  • Skipping the match is like turning down a guaranteed 50-100% return on your money

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
Contribute at least enough to get your full employer match — skipping the match is leaving free money on the table. Beyond that, aim for 10-15% of your gross income including the match. The 2026 contribution limit is $23,500 (with a $7,500 catch-up if you're 50+). Use CalcDeck's free 401(k) calculator to model different contribution levels and see how they affect your retirement balance.
How much difference does employer match make?
Employer match is transformative. A 4% match on a $75,000 salary adds $3,000/year to your 401(k). Over 30 years at 7% return, that match alone compounds to over $280,000. Without the match, you'd have roughly $400,000 less at retirement. This is why financial advisors say "never leave free money on the table." Use CalcDeck's calculator to toggle the match on/off and see the staggering difference.
What is a realistic expected return for 401(k) projections?
For long-term projections (20+ years), 6-8% is a conservative range for a diversified stock portfolio. The S&P 500 historical average is ~10% before inflation (7% after). Use 5-6% for conservative estimates, 7-8% for moderate, and 9-10% for optimistic scenarios. CalcDeck's 401(k) calculator has a return slider so you can model all three — better to be pleasantly surprised than fall short.
How does my 401(k) grow over time?
401(k) growth comes from three sources: your contributions, your employer's match, and investment returns that compound year after year. Early in your career, contributions dominate the balance. After 15-20 years, investment growth overtakes contributions — that's compound interest at work. A 25-year-old contributing 10% with a 4% match could see investment growth make up 60%+ of their final balance by age 65.
What happens if I increase my contribution by just 1%?
A 1% increase seems small but compounds dramatically. On a $75,000 salary, 1% = $750/year. Over 30 years at 7%, that $750/year grows to about $71,000 extra at retirement. Each percentage point increase in your contribution rate can add $50K-$100K+ to your final balance. Use CalcDeck's 401(k) calculator to experiment with different contribution amounts and see the cumulative impact.
What happens to my 401(k) if I change jobs?
When you change jobs, you have several options for your 401(k): leave it with your old employer (if balance > $5,000), roll it into your new employer's plan, roll it into an IRA, or cash it out (strongly discouraged — you'll pay income tax plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty). Rolling into an IRA typically gives you the most investment options and lowest fees. Never cash out unless it's an absolute emergency.