How does this calculator project my 401(k) balance?

It adds employee contributions and employer match each year, then applies an assumed investment growth rate to estimate future balances.

Can I include employer match and contribution increases?

Yes. You can set employer match rules and annual contribution growth to reflect raises or higher savings rates.

Is this a guarantee of future 401(k) value?

No. It’s an estimate based on assumptions. Actual returns, fees, and job changes will affect your real balance.

401(k) Growth Calculator

Estimate how your 401(k) can grow over time with employee contributions, employer match, and compound investment returns.

Current 401(k) details

Current 401(k) balance Current age Target retirement age Expected annual investment return (%)

Employee contributions

Annual salary Employee contribution (% of salary) Annual contribution increase (%) Annual salary growth (%)

Employer match & options

Employer match (% of salary) Match cap (% of salary contributed) Annual fee drag (%) Projection step

Tip: Try different contribution and match scenarios to see how much earlier you can reach your retirement target.

Important: This calculator uses simplified assumptions and does not account for taxes, plan limits, or job changes. Use it as a planning guide, not a guarantee of future 401(k) balances.

401(k) growth formulas

1. Employee contribution

Employee contribution = Salary × (Employee contribution % ÷ 100)

2. Employer match

Matchable contribution = min(Employee contribution %, Match cap %) of salary
Employer match = Salary × (Matchable contribution % ÷ 100)

Example:
Salary = $90,000
Employee contribution = 10%
Match = 4% up to 4% of salary

Employer match = 90,000 × 0.04 = $3,600

3. Portfolio growth with fees

Net growth rate = Investment return − Fee rate

Each year:
  Salary grows by salary growth rate
  Employee contribution % grows by contribution growth rate (optional)
  Employee contribution and employer match are added
  Portfolio grows by net growth rate

Portfolio_next = (Portfolio_current + Employee contribution + Employer match) × (1 + Net growth rate)

The calculator applies these formulas year by year to estimate your future 401(k) balance at retirement.

How to use this 401(k) projection

Your 401(k) is often the backbone of retirement savings. This calculator helps you see how contributions, employer match, and investment growth can compound over time.

Maximize employer match first

Employer match is essentially free money. Aim to contribute at least enough to capture the full match before increasing contributions further.

Use realistic return and fee assumptions

Higher return assumptions make your future balance look larger, but they may not be realistic. Include a reasonable fee drag to reflect fund and plan costs.

Worked example

Imagine you’re 32 with $85,000 in your 401(k), earning $90,000, contributing 10%, getting a 4% match, expecting 7% returns, 0.5% fees, and retiring at 65:

Employee contribution: 90,000 × 0.10 = $9,000
Employer match: 90,000 × 0.04 = $3,600
Net growth rate: 7% − 0.5% = 6.5%
The calculator projects these contributions and growth each year until age 65.

Practical tips

Increase contributions when you get raises to accelerate growth.
Review fees and investment options to keep costs reasonable.
Use the projection to check if your 401(k) is on track for your retirement goals.

Treat this projection as a planning tool. Your actual path will depend on markets, career changes, and life events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this include IRS contribution limits?

This version does not enforce IRS limits. Use it for planning, then check your contributions against current IRS rules.

What if I change jobs or plans?

Job changes can affect salary, match, and plan options. Re‑run the projection when your situation changes.

Can I export the projection?

Yes. Use Export CSV to download year‑by‑year contributions, match, and balances.

Does this account for Roth vs. traditional tax differences?

This calculator focuses on pre‑tax balances. Use the Roth vs. Traditional calculator to compare tax treatment.

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Information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Calculations are estimates and may not reflect actual results. See our Privacy Policy and Disclaimer.