401(k) Calculator

Using the 401(k) estimate

A workplace retirement projection combines current savings, your salary-based contributions and a simplified employer match. This calculator grows the balance over the years between your current and retirement ages, adds modeled contributions and increases salary by the raise assumption. It helps separate the role of your deposits, employer money and investment growth. It is not a statement of your plan's actual benefits, eligibility or legal contribution limits.

Step-by-step inputs

1. Current age. Use your current age to set the projection horizon. This is a year-based model rather than a payroll-date simulation. Starting example: 30 .
2. Retirement age. Choose an age later than your current age for a saving projection. The horizon does not establish when withdrawals are permitted or affordable. Starting example: 65 .
3. Annual salary. Enter the annual salary used as the contribution base. Your plan may define eligible compensation differently. Starting example: $70,000 .
4. Your contribution. Enter your salary contribution percentage. Dollar contribution limits and catch-up rules are not enforced by this simple projection. Starting example: 8% .
5. Employer match (of salary). The engine treats the match as a salary percentage, capped at your own contribution percentage. Tiered matches, vesting and service requirements need separate checking. Starting example: 4% .
6. Current balance (Advanced options). Use the retirement balance already saved toward this projection, avoiding duplicate accounts. Starting example: $15,000 .
7. Annual return (Advanced options). Choose a hypothetical annual return. The engine applies steady growth, not market volatility or separate fees. Starting example: 7% .
8. Annual raise (Advanced options). Salary increases by this percentage each year, increasing salary-based deposits. It is an assumption, not an expected employer commitment. Starting example: 2% .

Worked example with the starting values

Using the starting inputs, the estimate is Balance at age 65: $1,617,833 .

The balance grows at the selected return and annual contributions are then added. Your contribution and the modeled match rise with salary. The chart separates the starting balance, cumulative deposits from each source and projected growth, rather than treating the ending balance as investment gains alone.

Your contributions

$279,969

Employer match

$139,985

Investment growth

$1,182,879

Compare your contribution scenarios

All other inputs stay at their starting values. These are modeled comparisons, not quotes, predictions or individual recommendations.

Make a useful comparison

Verify the employer's match formula before relying on its value. A match of part of your contribution up to a salary threshold is not the same as a flat percentage of salary. Enter a reasonable approximation and check the plan document for exact terms.

Compare contribution levels at a conservative return before raising the return assumption. Increasing a sustained savings rate is an action; assuming faster growth is not. Check the paycheck impact so the contribution fits alongside short-term needs.

Compare nominal savings with future spending needs. This tool does not separately discount inflation, calculate taxes on withdrawals or model retirement spending. Use an inflation and withdrawal scenario after evaluating accumulation.

Common mistakes to avoid

• The model does not enforce annual contribution limits, catch-up eligibility or vesting. Large salary-based deposits can exceed what a real plan permits.
• Steady annual growth hides losses and their timing. A projected balance is not a guaranteed account value at retirement.
• A nominal balance is not necessarily an after-tax, immediately accessible balance. Account type and withdrawal rules matter.