What is a 401(k) calculator?
A 401(k) calculator estimates how workplace retirement savings may grow from an existing account balance, employee salary deferrals, employer matching contributions and assumed investment returns. For a broader retirement picture beyond a workplace plan, compare it with our Retirement Calculator.
This calculator is designed for U.S. users and incorporates the published 2026 federal contribution limits. It is a planning estimate rather than a substitute for your employer's plan documents or individualized tax and investment advice.
How does the 401(k) calculator work?
The calculator estimates your employee contribution from the percentage of salary you enter, then applies the applicable 2026 elective-deferral limit based on age. It estimates employer matching from the match percentage and the salary percentage up to which your employer matches.
Salary is then increased each year using the salary-growth assumption, contributions are added monthly, and the account balance compounds using the investment-return assumption until the retirement age entered. You can explore the compounding effect separately with the Compound Interest Calculator.
What are the 2026 401(k) contribution limits?
| 2026 limit | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic employee elective deferral | $24,500 |
| General catch-up, age 50+ | $8,000 |
| Higher catch-up, ages 60–63 | $11,250 |
| Defined-contribution plan limit | $72,000 before applicable catch-up contributions |
| Annual compensation limit | $360,000 |
The IRS announced these amounts for 2026. Participants age 50 or older may be eligible for catch-up contributions if their plan permits them, and a higher catch-up amount applies to ages 60 through 63 in 2026. See the IRS 2026 retirement-plan announcement.
How is the employer 401(k) match calculated?
Employer matching formulas vary by plan. This calculator uses two inputs: the percentage of an employee contribution the employer matches, and the percentage of salary up to which that match applies.
For example, a “50% match up to 6% of salary” means the employer contributes 50 cents for each eligible employee dollar, up to employee contributions equal to 6% of salary. The U.S. Department of Labor explains that matching contributions depend on plan design and employee deferrals.
How do you use this 401(k) calculator?
- Enter your current age and expected retirement age.
- Add annual salary and your current 401(k) balance.
- Enter the percentage of salary you plan to contribute.
- Enter your employer's match percentage and the salary percentage covered by the match.
- Add salary-growth and investment-return assumptions.
- Select Calculate 401(k) to see the projected balance and contribution breakdown.
What do the 401(k) results mean?
The projected balance combines the starting account balance, estimated employee contributions, estimated employer matching and investment growth. If you are comparing workplace contributions with ordinary saving, the Savings Calculator gives a simpler account-growth view. The result panel also shows the first-year employee and employer amounts so you can check whether the assumptions match your plan expectations.
The contribution-limit display identifies which 2026 employee deferral limit applies at your current age. Because future IRS limits are not known, this calculator holds the published 2026 limits constant throughout the projection.
What are the limitations of a 401(k) calculator?
Employer plans can use different matching formulas, vesting schedules, eligible-compensation definitions, contribution timing and true-up provisions. Investment returns vary, and plan fees can reduce growth. Tax treatment also depends on whether contributions are traditional pre-tax, Roth or another permitted type.
This calculator therefore provides an educational estimate. Check your summary plan description and current payroll settings before making contribution decisions, and use our Paycheck Calculator when you want to compare contribution choices with take-home pay.