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401(k) Calculator: Project Your Retirement Savings

Written by Calcida Team
Reviewed for accuracy and clarity
Last updated: April 2026

Project your 401(k) balance over time based on contributions, employer match, and return assumptions.

Use it to compare contribution rates and see how match and compounding can change outcomes. Keep in mind real plans have annual contribution limits and match rules.

For related tools, browse Retirement Calculators.

Projected Balance at Retirement

$1,620,478
Total Contributions: $389,957

Growth Over Time

Maximize your retirement savings

See how employer match and contributions grow over time.

401k Growth →
Retirement CalcCompound Interest

How This Calculator Works

This 401(k) calculator estimates how your balance may grow based on your contributions, employer match, and an assumed investment return.

  • Enter your starting point: Current 401(k) balance (if any) and salary inputs used by the calculator.
  • Set your contribution rate: Your employee contribution is typically a percent of salary.
  • Include employer match: If your plan matches contributions, that additional amount compounds too.
  • Choose a return assumption: Higher assumed returns increase projections, but real returns vary.
  • Project over time: Growth compounds, so time horizon often matters as much as the rate.

Formula

Annual Contribution ≈ Salary × Contribution%; Annual Match ≈ Salary × Match%; FV ≈ P(1 + r)^n + PMT × [((1 + r)^n − 1) / r]
Where:
  • P = starting 401(k) balance
  • PMT = annual employee + employer contributions (simplified)
  • r = annual return rate (decimal)
  • n = years
Real employer match often has caps and vesting rules.
Annual contribution limits can constrain how much you can contribute.

Example Calculation

Starting balance$40,000
Salary$90,000
Employee contribution10%
Employer match4% (if eligible)
Return7%/year
Time30 years
Typical outcome
A higher contribution rate and match can materially change the final balance

How to Maximize Your 401(k)

The biggest levers are contribution rate, employer match, and time. Use this calculator to see how each lever changes your long-term balance.

  • Capture the match first: If your employer offers match, it is often the highest-impact early step.
  • Increase gradually: Small annual increases can be easier than a big jump and can add up over decades.
  • Keep assumptions realistic: Compare a conservative return scenario to an optimistic one.

Limits and Plan Rules

  • Annual IRS contribution limits may cap how much you can contribute.
  • Employer match rules often include a cap and may not match every dollar you contribute.
  • Vesting can affect how much of the match you keep if you leave your job.

Next: compare outcomes with the Retirement Savings Calculator or focus on contributions using the 401(k) Contribution Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

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