401(k) Calculator: How Much Could Your Retirement Savings Grow?
Estimate a retirement balance from salary, employee contributions, employer match, and assumed returns.
Calculate your scenario
How the calculation works
At each year-end, the starting balance earns the entered return, then employee and employer contributions are added. Salary grows after each year. Match = salary × min(employee contribution %, match cap %) × match rate %. A 50% match up to 6% of salary gives 3% of salary when the employee contributes at least 6%. The result does not model taxes, fees, vesting, variable markets, or all plan rules.
Worked example
With an $80,000 salary, a 10% employee contribution is $8,000 in year one. A 50% match capped at 6% of salary adds $2,400, not $4,800. Contributions are modeled at year-end.
How to read your results
The primary figure summarizes the entered scenario. The other figures separate deposits or contributions from modeled interest or investment growth, or show the change in purchasing power or payoff cost. Change an input to compare another scenario; the previous result is hidden until you calculate again.
Frequently asked question
Does the employer match count toward my employee contribution limit?
Employer contributions are separate from the employee elective-deferral limit; other plan and combined limits can still apply. Check your plan and IRS guidance.
Related calculators
Roth IRA Calculator · Explore Retirement Planning
Sources and limits
IRS 2026 retirement-plan limits. Reviewed September 19, 2026. Financial rules and rates can change; verify current terms with the source or your provider.