401(k) Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement based on your contributions, employer match, and expected return. See how much is growth versus contributions.
Assumes contributions of $8,400/year (you + employer) and a steady 7% annual return over 35 years. Real returns vary; this is an estimate, not investment advice.
How to use this calculator
Enter your current age and retirement age, your current balance, salary, your contribution percent, the employer match, and an expected annual return. You'll see your projected balance and how much of it comes from contributions versus investment growth.
How 401(k) growth works
Your balance grows two ways: from new contributions (yours plus the employer match) and from compounding returns on the money already invested. Over decades, compounding usually becomes the largest part of the balance — which is why starting early matters so much.
Worked example
A 30-year-old with $25,000 saved, earning $70,000, contributing 8% with a 4% match at a 7% return could reach roughly $1.4 million by 65 — with the majority coming from growth.
Projections are estimates and not investment advice. Markets fluctuate and returns are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
How much will my 401(k) be worth at retirement?
It depends on your current balance, how much you and your employer contribute, your return, and how many years you have. This calculator projects the future value by compounding your balance and monthly contributions.
How does employer matching work?
Many employers match a percentage of your salary that you contribute — for example, 100% up to 4%. That's free money and is included here as an additional contribution on top of yours.
What return rate should I assume?
A long-term diversified portfolio has historically returned around 6–8% annually before inflation. Using 7% is a common, reasonable middle estimate, but actual returns vary year to year.
How much should I contribute?
A common guideline is 10–15% of your salary including the match. At minimum, contribute enough to capture the full employer match, since not doing so leaves free money on the table.