401(k) Savings Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement including employer matching.
Balance by Age
Assumes 7% annual return and 2% salary growth. Does not account for contribution limits or taxes.
Projects a 401(k) (or similar workplace plan) using salary, employee deferral, employer match, and assumed return. It is not tax advice and not an IRA-specific page.
Formula
Each year, contribution ≈ salary × (employee % + match %), then the balance compounds: next = (prior + contribution) × (1 + return).
How to calculate
- Enter current balance, salary, and how much you defer.
- Enter the employer match rule as the page labels it.
- Enter years to retirement and an assumed annual return. Results are nominal dollars, not inflation-adjusted unless the page says so.
Example
A $50,000 salary, 6% deferral, 3% match, $20,000 starting balance, 7% return, 25 years grows far beyond the sum of contributions — the page shows the ending balance.
Common mistake
Match formulas differ (50% of the first 6%, etc.). A wrong match rule overstates the employer money. Contribution limits also cap real plans; this is a projection.
FAQ
How does employer match affect a 401(k)?
Match is extra contribution, usually a percent of salary up to a cap. It compounds with your deferral. Enter the match the way your plan is written.
Is this a Roth IRA calculator?
No. Roth IRA has different limits and no employer match. Use the Roth IRA page for that account type.