401k calculator: Estimate your retirement savings, employer match, and future balance using the assumptions below.
Estimate how workplace retirement contributions, employer matching, salary growth, and investment returns could affect your future balance. Explore a withdrawal estimate or check whether your contribution may capture your plan’s full match.
Your estimate
Projected balance at age 65
Inflation-adjusted estimate: —
*A 4% illustration only; it is not a guaranteed or personalized safe-withdrawal recommendation.
Year-by-year projection
| Age | Salary | Your deposit | Employer match | Ending balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculate to create the projection. | ||||
Estimated proceeds
Approximate amount after modeled taxes and additional tax
This is a simplified estimate. Some distributions have different treatment, and exceptions have specific legal requirements.
Match estimate
Estimated annual employer contribution
Check your plan’s matching formula, payroll timing, annual limits, and true-up policy. This estimate assumes one match tier and does not enforce IRS contribution limits.
How a 401(k) calculator works
A 401(k) is a U.S. employer-sponsored retirement plan. This projection starts with your current account balance, then applies estimated investment growth and annual employee and employer deposits until the retirement age you choose. It also shows how inflation changes the estimated balance’s purchasing power.
Employer matching
Some employers contribute a match based on your contributions, up to a percentage of salary. The match formula varies by plan. Enter the percentage of your contribution your employer matches and the maximum salary percentage eligible for matching. For instance, a 50% match up to 6% of salary means the employer match reaches its cap when the employee contributes 6% of salary.
Projection assumptions
The growth estimate applies one constant annual return and salary increase. Actual investment returns fluctuate, fees reduce balances, and contributions can be limited by plan rules and annual tax limits. The model deposits employee and employer contributions at each year end for a conservative, simplified projection.
Early withdrawals
Taking money out before retirement can reduce future compounding and may result in ordinary income tax and an additional tax. Some exceptions may apply, but eligibility depends on the distribution and current rules. The withdrawal panel is a rough scenario tool, not a tax determination.
Use the results carefully
Try several return, contribution, retirement-age, and inflation assumptions. Use the plan’s Summary Plan Description or ask the plan administrator to confirm matching and vesting terms. Consider a qualified financial or tax professional for decisions about contributions, rollovers, or distributions.
Frequently asked questions
What does the employer match mean?
It is an employer contribution calculated using your own contributions and your plan’s match formula. Some plans match a percentage of what you contribute up to a salary-based cap.
Does the projected balance account for investment fees?
No. The calculator uses your entered annual return and does not subtract plan, fund, or advisory fees. You can reduce the assumed return to explore a lower-growth scenario.
Is the 4% withdrawal amount guaranteed?
No. It is a simple illustration equal to 4% of the projected balance. It does not account for taxes, market sequence, life span, other income, or individual needs.
Does this work for 401(k) plans outside the United States?
The display currency can be changed for formatting, but the 401(k) plan and early-withdrawal discussion is specific to the U.S. The calculator does not convert currencies or apply another country’s retirement rules.
For educational estimates only. Results depend on assumptions and are not investment, tax, or legal advice. Rules and plan terms can change; verify current details with the IRS, your plan administrator, and a qualified professional.