401(k) / Retirement Growth Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement based on your salary, contribution rate, employer match, and expected investment return, with 2026 IRS limits.
401(k) Growth Formula
Each year, the calculator determines your employee contribution (capped at the IRS annual limit, including the age-50+ catch-up), adds your employer match (capped at the employer's match limit as a percent of salary), and applies your expected annual investment return to the new total. Your salary then grows by your assumed annual raise for the next year.
This calculator uses the 2026 IRS elective deferral limit of $24,500 and the standard age-50+ catch-up of $8,000 (total $32,500). It does not model the SECURE 2.0 'super catch-up' of $11,250 for ages 60-63, the $360,000 compensation cap, or Roth vs. traditional tax treatment — consult a tax professional for those details. All projections assume a constant annual return and do not account for fees, taxes on withdrawal, or market volatility.
How to Use the 401(k) / Retirement Growth Calculator
Enter your current age and target retirement age
This determines how many years your contributions have to grow.
Enter your current 401(k) balance and annual salary
Input your existing retirement savings balance and your gross annual salary.
Set your contribution rate and employer match
Enter the percentage of salary you contribute, and your employer's match percentage and salary cap (e.g. '50% match up to 6% of salary').
Set your expected return and salary growth
Enter an assumed average annual investment return and an annual salary growth rate.
Calculate and review your projection
View your projected balance at retirement, total contributions, employer match, and investment growth, plus a year-by-year chart.
Real-World Scenario Example
"A 30-year-old earning $70,000/year with a $25,000 current 401(k) balance contributes 6% of salary, gets a 50% employer match up to 6% of salary, expects a 7% annual return and 2% annual raises, and plans to retire at 65."
Inputs
Result
By age 65, the projected 401(k) balance is approximately $1,436,706 — made up of $209,977 in personal contributions, $104,988 in employer match, and $1,096,741 in investment growth.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or tax advice. Actual returns, contribution limits, employer match formulas, and tax treatment vary and change over time. Consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
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