How to use the 401(k) calculator
- Enter your age, the age you plan to retire and your current balance.
- Enter your salary, the percentage you contribute and your expected annual raise.
- Enter your employer match. A common formula is "50% of your contributions up to 6% of pay" — enter 50 and 6.
- Choose an expected return. Long-term stock-heavy portfolios have historically averaged around 6%–8% a year before inflation, but returns are never guaranteed.
2026 401(k) contribution limits
| Limit | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Employee deferrals (under 50) | $24,500 |
| Catch-up contribution (age 50+) | +$8,000 |
| Higher catch-up (ages 60–63) | +$11,250 |
The calculator caps your own contributions at these limits. Limits are adjusted for inflation most years, so the projection is slightly conservative for high savers.
How employer matching works
With a match of 50% up to 6%, if you earn $75,000 and contribute 6% ($4,500), your employer adds $2,250. Contributing less than 6% leaves free money on the table; contributing more than 6% still helps you, but the employer match stops growing. Some employers match 100% up to 3%–5%, and some add a flat contribution regardless of what you save.
Example
A 30-year-old earning $75,000 with $25,000 saved who contributes 10%, gets a 50% match up to 6%, receives 3% raises and earns 7% a year would have roughly $2.8 million at 67 — about $1.1 million in today's dollars after 2.5% inflation. Starting the same plan at 40 instead of 30 leaves about $1.2 million — less than half — which is why starting early matters so much.
Tips to grow your 401(k)
- Always get the full match. It is an instant return on your money.
- Raise your rate by 1% a year, or whenever you get a raise.
- Watch fees. A 1% annual fee can reduce a 30-year balance by about 25%.
- Roth or traditional? Traditional contributions lower your taxes now; Roth contributions are taxed now but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
For savings outside a 401(k), try the retirement calculator or the compound interest calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At a minimum, enough to get your full employer match. Many planners suggest saving 10%–15% of your income for retirement in total, including the employer match.
What is the 401(k) limit for 2026?
Employees can defer up to $24,500 in 2026. Savers aged 50 and older can add an $8,000 catch-up contribution, and those aged 60 to 63 can add $11,250 instead.
How does a 401(k) match work?
Your employer adds money based on what you contribute. With a "50% match up to 6% of salary", contributing 6% of a $60,000 salary ($3,600) earns $1,800 from your employer.
What rate of return should I use?
Many people use 6% to 7% for a diversified, stock-heavy portfolio over long periods. Use a lower rate, such as 4% to 5%, if your investments are more conservative or you want a cautious estimate.
How much will I have in my 401(k) when I retire?
It depends on how much you save, your employer match, your returns and how many years you invest. Enter your details above to see a year-by-year projection.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Actual loan terms, rates, taxes and fees vary by lender and location — confirm figures with a qualified professional before making decisions.
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