401k Calculator
Project your 401k balance at retirement, including employer matching contributions.
2026 limit: $24,500/year ($2,042/mo)
e.g. 50 = employer matches 50¢ per $1
$1,638,445
in 35 years
Your Contributions
$235,000
Employer Match
$105,000
Investment Growth
$1,298,445
Monthly Employer Match
$250.00
With a 4% safe withdrawal rate, this would provide approximately $5,461.48/month in retirement.
Formula
Projects future 401k balance using compound interest, accounting for your contributions, employer match, and investment returns.
A = P(1 + r)^n + (Annual Contribution + Employer Match) × [((1 + r)^n - 1) / r]
Worked Example
Age 30, contribute $500/month, employer matches 100% up to 3%, expect 7% annual return until age 65:
- Your annual contribution: $6,000
- Employer match: $1,800 (3% of $60k salary)
- Combined annual: $7,800
- Projected balance at 65: $1.2 million
Common Questions
Should I max out my 401k?
Minimum: contribute enough to get the full employer match (usually 3–6%). Ideal: max out ($24,500 in 2026). Reality: contribute what you can afford after emergency savings.
What return rate should I use?
S&P 500 historically returns 10% annually. Conservative investors use 6–7%; aggressive use 8–10%. Use 7% as a middle ground.
Can I withdraw before retirement?
Withdrawals before 59½ incur a 10% penalty plus income tax (exceptions: hardship, SEPP). It's worth leaving 401k alone for retirement.
Key Takeaways
- Always capture the full employer match—it's free money and a guaranteed return.
- Starting early (age 25 vs. 35) more than doubles your retirement savings due to compound growth.
- A 1% increase in returns adds $100k+ to your final balance—fee shopping matters.