401(k) Retirement Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement, including employer match, salary growth and investment returns.
Estimates only - actual results depend on market performance, fees and changes to contribution limits. Not financial advice.
Your Details
2026 IRS Contribution Limits
| Under 50 | $24,500 |
|---|---|
| Age 50+ (catch-up) | $32,500 ($8,000 catch-up) |
| Age 60-63 (super catch-up) | $35,750 ($11,250 catch-up) |
Limits change annually - verify current figures at irs.gov. This calculator applies these caps automatically to your contribution percentage where relevant.
Quick Tips
- Always contribute enough to get the full employer match
- Increase your contribution % with every raise
- Catch-up contributions can significantly boost late savings
- Review your fund choices and fees periodically
Frequently Asked Questions
A common starting point is to contribute at least enough to get your full employer match - that is essentially free money. Many financial planners suggest aiming for 10-15% of your salary (including any employer match) for a comfortable retirement, though the right amount depends on your age, goals and other savings.
For 2026, the IRS elective deferral limit is $24,500 for employees under 50. Those 50 and over can make an additional catch-up contribution of $8,000, for a total of $32,500. A higher "super catch-up" of $11,250 (total $35,750) applies to those aged 60-63. These figures change annually - always check the latest limits at irs.gov.
A common formula is "100% match up to 4% of salary" - meaning if you contribute 4% of your pay, your employer adds another 4%, doubling your contribution up to that point. Some employers match 50% of contributions up to a higher percentage. Always check your plan documents for your exact match formula and any vesting schedule.
Historically, a diversified stock portfolio has returned around 7-10% annually before inflation over long periods, though returns vary significantly year to year and are not guaranteed. Many retirement calculators use 6-8% as a reasonable long-term planning assumption. Adjust the assumption in this calculator to see how sensitive your projection is to investment performance.
This calculator provides an estimate based on the assumptions you enter - it does not account for taxes on withdrawal, plan fees, contribution limit caps in later years, or changes in your salary or contribution rate over time beyond a simple constant growth rate. Use it for general planning only and consult a financial advisor for personalized retirement advice.