401(k) calculator
401(k) balance at retirement $1,398,526.97 ≈ $55,941.08 a year with the 4% rule
- Your contributions
- $253,940.74
- Employer match
- $126,970.37
- Starting balance
- $15,000.00
- Investment growth
- $1,002,615.85
Projected balance by age | Age | Balance |
|---|
| 35 | $59,354.51 |
| 40 | $127,666.78 |
| 45 | $230,553.07 |
| 50 | $383,058.05 |
| 55 | $606,462.11 |
| 60 | $930,820.16 |
| 65 | $1,398,526.97 |
Contributions are capped at the 2026 IRS limit ($24,500.00, plus catch-up contributions from age 50),
kept at today's levels. The return is a constant estimate and the result is in future dollars, not adjusted for
inflation. Not financial advice.
This 401(k) calculator projects how much you could have at retirement from your own contributions, your employer’s match and investment growth. It applies the 2026 IRS contribution limits, including catch-up contributions after age 50.
Example: starting at 30
A 30-year-old earning $70,000 with $15,000 already saved contributes 6% of salary. The employer matches 50% up to 6%, raises average 3% a year and the portfolio returns 7% a year:
| Age | Balance |
|---|
| 35 | $59,355 |
| 45 | $230,553 |
| 55 | $606,462 |
| 65 | $1,398,527 |
By 65 that’s about $1.4 million, of which $253,941 came from the employee and $126,970 from the employer match. Most of the rest is compound growth. The 4% rule would turn that into roughly $56,000 a year of retirement income.
The figures are in future dollars: inflation will make them worth less in today’s money.
For guidance only, not financial advice.
FAQ
How much can I contribute to a 401(k) in 2026?
The IRS employee contribution limit for 2026 is $24,500. If you're 50 or older you can add a catch-up contribution of $8,000, and if you turn 60, 61, 62 or 63 during the year the catch-up rises to $11,250.
What is an employer match?
Many employers add money to your 401(k) when you contribute. A common formula is 50% of what you put in, up to 6% of your salary. If you don't contribute at least enough to get the full match, you're leaving part of your compensation on the table.
What return should I use?
There's no guaranteed return. Many long-term projections use 5% to 7% a year for a diversified stock-heavy portfolio, but actual returns vary from year to year and can be negative. Try several values to see a range of outcomes.