401(k) Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement, including employer match, annual raises, and investment growth. See how much your match is worth over time.
Balance at Retirement (Age 65)
$1,846,072
Your Total Contributions
$349,961
Employer Match (free money)
$104,988
Investment Growth
$1,366,123
74% of final balance
5-year breakdown
| Age | Your Contribution | Employer Match | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | $7,577.03 | $2,273.11 | $89,386 |
| 40 | $8,365.65 | $2,509.69 | $185,343 |
| 45 | $9,236.35 | $2,770.91 | $326,171 |
| 50 | $10,197.68 | $3,059.30 | $530,582 |
| 55 | $11,259.06 | $3,377.72 | $824,888 |
| 60 | $12,430.91 | $3,729.27 | $1,246,069 |
| 65 | $13,724.73 | $4,117.42 | $1,846,072 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does employer 401(k) matching work?
Employer matching means your company contributes to your 401(k) based on what you put in. A common formula is '50% match up to 6% of salary' — if you earn $70,000 and contribute 6% ($4,200), your employer adds 50% of that ($2,100). Contributing at least enough to capture the full match is essentially free money and an immediate 50% return on that portion of your savings.
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
Financial planners commonly recommend contributing at least enough to capture your full employer match (typically 3–6% of salary), then increasing to 10–15% of gross income over time. If you're starting late or have aggressive retirement goals, aim higher. For 2024, the IRS limit is $23,000 (plus $7,500 catch-up if you're 50 or older).
What rate of return should I assume for my 401(k)?
A commonly used long-term assumption is 6–8% annually for a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds, reflecting historical average stock market returns minus inflation. An all-stock portfolio has averaged around 10% historically before inflation. Use a conservative figure (6–7%) for planning purposes to avoid overestimating your nest egg.