401(k) Calculator
Project a 401(k) balance with employer match.
Results update as you type.
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How it works
The future value shown here is the projected size of a 401(k) once your current balance, your monthly contributions and any employer match have all grown at your expected return. It matters because a 401(k) is the main retirement vehicle for most workers, and an employer match is effectively free money that can double the amount going in each month. This 401(k) calculator compounds the starting balance at the monthly equivalent of the annual return and treats both your contribution and the match as monthly deposits that compound for the months remaining, then sums them. Monthly compounding is used because contributions are deducted from each paycheck and growth is credited as the account earns it, so the model mirrors how a real plan behaves. Workers use a 401(k) calculator to check whether they are on track, to see the long-run value of contributing enough to capture the full match, and to test how the balance responds to a higher savings rate. The result is nominal and pre-tax; a traditional 401(k) is taxed on withdrawal, so the spendable amount is lower. Contribution limits are set by the IRS and change yearly, so confirm the current cap before treating any figure as a firm target.
FV = balance(1 + i)^n + (you + match) × [((1 + i)^n − 1) ÷ i], i = return ÷ 12, n = years × 12
Balance × (1 + i)^n compounds your current savings, where i is the monthly return and n the number of months. Your contribution and the employer match are each monthly deposits, and the bracketed annuity term ((1 + i)^n − 1) ÷ i totals each series across all n months. Adding the balance growth to both contribution streams gives the future value. Because the match rides the same compounding, capturing it fully has an outsized effect over decades.
Source:U.S. SEC — Investor.gov
We review all our tools from time to time to ensure accuracy.
Worked example
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter your values
Enter current balance, your monthly contribution, annual return and years until retirement.
- 2
Adjust the options
Adjust employer match (monthly) if they apply — sensible defaults are already set.
- 3
Read your result
Future value updates instantly as you type — no button to press.
Frequently asked questions
How does an employer match work?
Many employers add money to your 401(k) based on what you contribute, commonly matching 50% or 100% of your contributions up to a percentage of your salary. It is essentially an instant return on your savings, so financial planners urge contributing at least enough to capture the full match before anything else. Enter your employer's monthly match here to see how much it adds over time; leaving it blank models contributions from you alone.
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
A widely cited target is 15% of gross pay toward retirement, including the employer match, but the right figure depends on your age, income and other savings. At a minimum, contribute enough to earn the full match, since declining it forfeits free money. If 15% is out of reach now, start lower and raise your contribution by a point or two whenever your pay increases, letting compounding do more of the work over time.
What return should I assume?
Use a rate that reflects the funds you hold. A diversified stock-heavy allocation has historically averaged roughly 7–10% a year before inflation over long horizons, while more conservative mixes with bonds return less. Younger savers with decades ahead often assume a higher rate; those near retirement lean lower to reduce risk. Because markets are volatile and past results do not guarantee future ones, test a conservative rate to see how the balance holds up.
Is the projected balance taxed?
It depends on the account type. A traditional 401(k) is funded with pre-tax dollars, so withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income and the spendable amount is less than the balance shown. A Roth 401(k) uses after-tax contributions, so qualified withdrawals are tax-free. This tool projects the gross balance without applying tax. Subtract your expected retirement tax rate from a traditional balance to estimate what you can actually spend.
What are the contribution limits?
The IRS sets an annual limit on employee 401(k) contributions, with an additional catch-up amount allowed once you reach age 50. Employer matching contributions sit under a separate, higher combined limit. These figures are adjusted most years for inflation, so check the current numbers on the IRS website before assuming you can contribute a given amount. If your planned contribution exceeds the limit, cap it and consider an IRA for additional tax-advantaged saving.