How much should I contribute?

At minimum enough to capture the full match. Many aim for 10–15% of salary including the match; the IRS sets an annual contribution limit.

401(k) vs Roth — what's the difference?

A traditional 401(k) is funded pre-tax and taxed on withdrawal; a Roth is funded after-tax and withdrawals are tax-free. The growth projection here is the same; the tax treatment differs.

401(k) Calculator

Project your 401(k) balance at retirement, including employer match and growth.

UPDATED · MAY 2026

Annual salary

Your contribution

Employer match

up to this % of salary

Current 401(k) balance

Annual return

Years

Balance in 30 years

$1,138,307

YOUR $$192,000

EMPLOYER$96,000

GROWTH$830,307

Nest egg

$1,138,307

Employer match

$96,000

Investment growth

$830,307

401(k) GROWTH OVER TIME

Total value Invested

How to use the 401(k) Calculator

01
Enter salary and contribution %. What you earn and the percentage you contribute.
02
Set the employer match. The percentage of salary your employer matches up to.
03
Add balance, return, and years. See your projected balance and a growth chart.

How is it calculated?

Your monthly contribution is salary × contribution% ÷ 12. The employer adds a match up to its cap (we use the lesser of your rate and the match cap). We compound your current balance plus both contributions at your expected return — the employer match is an immediate, guaranteed return you don't want to leave on the table.

Frequently asked

The questions readers ask most about the 401(k) calculator.

Free money — your employer contributes alongside you, often matching 100% of contributions up to a few percent of salary. Always contribute at least enough to get the full match.

LEARNHow much do you need to retire? The 4% rule explained

How to use the 401(k) Calculator

How is it calculated?

Frequently asked

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