🧓 401(k) Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement, including your employer match, annual raises and investment growth.
Quick answer: A 30-year-old earning $75,000 who saves 10% with a 50% match up to 6%, 3% yearly raises and a 7% return, starting from $20,000, would have $2,299,696.98 at 65 – including $136,039.68 of employer contributions.
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401(k) Calculator inputs
Result
401(k) balance at 65
$2,299,696.98
after 35 years of saving
| Starting balance | $20,000 |
| Your contributions | $453,466 |
| Employer contributions | $136,040 |
| Investment growth | $1,690,192 |
- Employer match this year
- $2,250
- Your contribution this year
- $7,500
| Year | Contributions | Growth | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | $29,750 | $1,765 | $31,515 |
| 32 | $39,793 | $4,372 | $44,164 |
| 33 | $50,136 | $7,903 | $58,039 |
| 34 | $60,790 | $12,447 | $73,237 |
| 35 | $71,764 | $18,100 | $89,864 |
| 36 | $83,067 | $24,966 | $108,033 |
| 37 | $94,709 | $33,157 | $127,866 |
| 38 | $106,700 | $42,792 | $149,493 |
| 39 | $119,051 | $54,003 | $173,055 |
| 40 | $131,773 | $66,930 | $198,703 |
| 41 | $144,876 | $81,723 | $226,599 |
| 42 | $158,372 | $98,545 | $256,917 |
| 43 | $172,273 | $117,572 | $289,846 |
| 44 | $186,592 | $138,994 | $325,585 |
| 45 | $201,339 | $163,013 | $364,352 |
| 46 | $216,530 | $189,849 | $406,378 |
| 47 | $232,175 | $219,738 | $451,913 |
| 48 | $248,291 | $252,934 | $501,225 |
| 49 | $264,889 | $289,710 | $554,600 |
| 50 | $281,986 | $330,362 | $612,348 |
| 51 | $299,596 | $375,205 | $674,800 |
| 52 | $317,734 | $424,579 | $742,313 |
| 53 | $336,416 | $478,852 | $815,268 |
| 54 | $355,658 | $538,418 | $894,076 |
| 55 | $375,478 | $603,699 | $979,177 |
| 56 | $395,892 | $675,152 | $1,071,044 |
| 57 | $416,919 | $753,265 | $1,170,184 |
| 58 | $438,576 | $838,567 | $1,277,143 |
| 59 | $460,884 | $931,621 | $1,392,505 |
| 60 | $483,860 | $1,033,037 | $1,516,897 |
| 61 | $507,526 | $1,143,468 | $1,650,994 |
| 62 | $531,902 | $1,263,616 | $1,795,518 |
| 63 | $557,009 | $1,394,235 | $1,951,244 |
| 64 | $582,869 | $1,536,137 | $2,119,006 |
| 65 | $609,505 | $1,690,192 | $2,299,697 |
How the 401(k) projection is calculated
Each year the calculator works out your contribution as a percentage of that year's salary and adds your employer's match, which applies only to contributions up to the match limit. Contributions are invested monthly and grow at the expected return. Your salary then rises by the raise percentage for the next year.
Employer match = Salary × min(Your %, Limit %) × Match %
Balance each month = Balance × (1 + return ÷ 12) + (You + Employer) ÷ 12
Worked example
You are 30, earn $75,000 and contribute 10%. Your employer matches 50% up to 6% of salary, so in year one you put in $7,500 and they add $2,250. With 3% annual raises, a 7% return and a $20,000 starting balance, you reach $2,299,696.98 at 65. You contribute $453,465.61, your employer adds $136,039.68, and the rest is investment growth.
Common match formulas
| Formula | Contribute at least | Max match on $75,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 50% up to 6% | 6% | $2,250 |
| 100% up to 3% | 3% | $2,250 |
| 100% up to 4% | 4% | $3,000 |
| 100% up to 6% | 6% | $4,500 |
Tips to grow your 401(k)
- Never contribute less than the match limit – it is the best guaranteed return available.
- Increase your rate by 1% each time you get a raise; you won't miss money you never saw.
- Keep fees low: a 1% annual fee can consume a large share of growth over 35 years.
- Check your plan's vesting schedule – unvested employer money is lost if you leave early.
Estimates for educational purposes, not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
How does a 401(k) employer match work?
A "50% up to 6%" match means your employer adds 50 cents for every dollar you contribute, on contributions up to 6% of salary. Contribute 6% of a $75,000 salary ($4,500) and they add $2,250 a year.
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At minimum, enough to get the full employer match – otherwise you leave free money behind. Many planners suggest working up to 15% of pay including the match.
What is the 401(k) contribution limit?
The IRS sets an annual employee deferral limit that rises with inflation, plus extra catch-up contributions from age 50. This calculator does not cap contributions, so check that your percentage stays under the current limit.
Is the result before or after tax?
It is the account balance before tax. Traditional 401(k) withdrawals are taxed as income; Roth 401(k) withdrawals are tax-free if you meet the rules.