401(k) Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement including employer match.
Projected balance in 30 years
$1,097,558
Your yearly contribution
$6,400
Employer adds yearly
$2,400
Free-money rate
3.0%
Assumes steady salary and contribution rate. The 2025 employee deferral limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if 50+).
Always capture the match
A 50% match on the first 6% of pay is an instant 50% return on those dollars — no investment beats it. Contributing below the match cap leaves guaranteed money on the table; that threshold should be the floor of any savings plan.
The order of operations
A common priority: contribute to the match cap → clear high-interest debt → max an HSA or Roth IRA → then push the 401(k) toward its limit. Traditional contributions cut taxes now; Roth 401(k) contributions trade that for tax-free withdrawals later.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At minimum, enough to capture the full employer match — it's an instant, guaranteed return no investment can beat. Beyond that, a common target is 15% of gross income across all retirement accounts. The 2025 employee deferral limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if you're 50 or older).
What is an employer match worth?
A typical '50% match up to 6% of pay' means your employer adds 50 cents per dollar you contribute, on the first 6% of salary — up to 3% of your salary in free money each year. On an $80,000 salary that's $2,400 annually you forfeit by not contributing enough.
Traditional or Roth 401(k)?
Traditional lowers your taxes now and is taxed on withdrawal; Roth is funded with after-tax dollars and comes out tax-free. Choose traditional if you expect a lower tax bracket in retirement, Roth if higher, and split if you're unsure — many plans allow both.
Related calculators
Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your monthly mortgage payment with taxes, insurance, and a full amortization schedule.
Loan Calculator
Work out payments, total interest, and payoff time for any fixed-rate loan.
Compound Interest Calculator
See how savings and investments grow with compounding over time.
Auto Loan Calculator
Estimate car payments including trade-in value, sales tax, and dealer fees.