Free tool
401(k) calculator
See how far your 401(k) could grow by retirement. Enter your salary, contribution rate, and employer match to project your future balance — and see how much of it comes from your own savings, free employer money, and compound investment growth.
Your 401(k) details
Projected balance at retirement
$721,650
- Your contributions
- $136,000
- Employer match (free money from your employer)
- $63,000
- Investment growth
- $522,650
- Your contributions$136,000
- Employer match$63,000
- Investment growth$522,650
You're contributing about $525 a month in total (your money plus the employer match). The employer match is essentially free money — leaving it on the table is the same as turning down a raise.
Estimates assume monthly compounding at a constant return and a flat salary. Real returns vary year to year and contribution limits apply. Results are estimates for planning, not financial advice.
Always grab the full employer match
An employer match is one of the best deals in personal finance: a guaranteed, instant return on the money you set aside. If your plan matches 50% up to 6% of your salary, contributing at least 6% captures every dollar offered — contributing less means turning down part of your pay. Whatever else you do, aim to contribute at least up to the match before directing extra savings elsewhere.
Why compounding does the heavy lifting
The longer your money stays invested, the more your growth comes from returns on past returns rather than new contributions. That's why starting early matters so much. Explore the math behind it with our compound interest calculator, and map out the bigger picture with the retirement savings calculator.
A note on contribution limits
The IRS caps how much you can contribute to a 401(k) each year. For 2024, the employee contribution limit is about $23,000, with an additional catch-up amount allowed once you reach age 50. Your employer's matching contributions don't count toward that employee limit. These figures are adjusted most years, so confirm the current numbers when you plan — the values here are general information, not tax advice.
Results are estimates for planning only and are not financial, investment, or tax advice. Actual returns, taxes, and contribution limits will vary.
Frequently asked questions
How much will my 401(k) be worth?
It depends on how much you and your employer contribute, your investment return, and how long your money grows. This calculator projects a future balance by compounding your monthly contributions (plus any employer match) at your expected annual return. Because real returns vary year to year, treat the figure as an estimate of the ballpark, not a guarantee.
What is a good 401(k) contribution?
A common starting point is to contribute at least enough to capture your full employer match — that match is free money, so anything less leaves part of your compensation unclaimed. Many planners then suggest working toward saving 10–15% of your salary (including the match). If that's too much at once, increase your contribution by 1% each year or whenever you get a raise.
How does the employer match work?
Employers often match a percentage of what you put in, up to a cap. A '50% match up to 6% of salary' means that for every dollar you contribute (up to 6% of your pay), your employer adds 50 cents. Contributing beyond the cap still grows your savings, but it no longer earns extra match.
Is there a limit on 401(k) contributions?
Yes. The IRS sets an annual employee contribution limit that changes most years — for 2024 it is about $23,000, with an additional catch-up amount allowed for savers age 50 and older. Employer match contributions are separate from this employee limit. Check the current year's figures, since they are adjusted over time.