401k Calculator
Project your retirement savings with employer matching and compound growth.
401k Calculator
Project your retirement savings with employer matching
e.g., 50% means employer contributes $0.50 per $1 you contribute
e.g., 6% means employer matches up to 6% of your salary
Historical S&P 500 average: ~10% (7% after inflation)
Total at Retirement (Age 65)
$2,405,833
Monthly income (4% rule): $8,019
Contribution Breakdown
Your Contributions
$374,959
Employer Match
$112,488
Investment Growth
$1,868,387
Years to Retire
35
Year-by-Year Projection
| Age | Salary | Your Contrib. | Employer | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | $75,000 | $7,500 | $2,250 | $63,683 |
| 35 | $81,182 | $8,118 | $2,435 | $131,257 |
| 39 | $87,874 | $8,787 | $2,636 | $224,473 |
| 43 | $95,118 | $9,512 | $2,854 | $351,909 |
| 47 | $102,959 | $10,296 | $3,089 | $524,932 |
| 51 | $111,446 | $11,145 | $3,343 | $758,598 |
| 55 | $120,633 | $12,063 | $3,619 | $1,072,842 |
| 59 | $130,577 | $13,058 | $3,917 | $1,494,055 |
| 63 | $141,341 | $14,134 | $4,240 | $2,057,162 |
| 65 | $147,051 | $14,705 | $4,412 | $2,405,833 |
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your current age and retirement age to set your investment timeline. The longer you have until retirement, the more time compound interest has to grow your wealth.
Input your annual salary and contribution percentage. Remember, contributing at least enough to get your full employer match is essential - it's free money you're leaving on the table otherwise.
Set your employer match details - the percentage they match and the limit. For example, 50% match up to 6% means if you contribute 6% of salary, they add 3%.
Adjust the expected annual return based on your investment style. The S&P 500 has historically returned about 10% annually (7% after inflation).
Understanding Your Results
Total at Retirement shows your projected 401k balance when you reach retirement age. This includes all your contributions, employer matches, and investment growth.
Monthly Income (4% Rule) estimates how much you could safely withdraw monthly in retirement following the 4% withdrawal rule, which has historically sustained portfolios for 30+ years.
The contribution breakdown shows how much comes from your contributions, employer matches, and investment growth. You'll often find that investment growth makes up the largest portion over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 401k?
A 401k is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan that allows you to contribute a portion of your pre-tax salary. Contributions grow tax-deferred until withdrawal in retirement. Many employers also match a portion of your contributions, essentially giving you free money.
What is employer matching?
Employer matching is when your company contributes additional money to your 401k based on your contributions. A common match is 50% of your contributions up to 6% of your salary. If you make $75,000 and contribute 6% ($4,500), your employer adds $2,250.
What is the 401k contribution limit for 2024?
For 2024, the employee contribution limit is $23,000. If you're 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution for a total of $30,500. Employer matching contributions don't count toward your personal limit.
How much should I contribute to my 401k?
At minimum, contribute enough to get your full employer match - it's free money! Financial experts often recommend saving 10-15% of your income for retirement. If you're starting late, you may need to save more to catch up.
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule is a guideline for retirement withdrawals. It suggests you can withdraw 4% of your portfolio in the first year of retirement, then adjust for inflation each year, with a high probability of not running out of money over 30 years.
Should I contribute to a 401k or Roth IRA?
It depends on your tax situation. 401k contributions are pre-tax (reducing current taxes), while Roth IRA contributions are after-tax (tax-free in retirement). Many people do both. Always get the full employer match first, then consider a Roth IRA.
How does compound interest work in a 401k?
Your 401k grows through compound interest - you earn returns on both your contributions and previous earnings. Over decades, compounding dramatically accelerates growth. Starting early maximizes this effect, even with smaller contributions.
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