401(k) Calculator
Project future 401(k) balance from starting savings, monthly contributions, employer match, expected return, and years until retirement.
Deferral growth milestones (illustrative)
Starting balance $25,000, $500/mo deferral, 50% employer match, 7% average return—compounded monthly.
| Years saving | Projected balance |
|---|---|
| 10 years | $180,055 |
| 20 years | $491,663 |
| 30 years | $1,117,891 |
Educational projection—not investment, tax, or retirement advice. Actual returns, fees, and withdrawal rules differ by plan and age.
Suggested next step
FAQ for this calculator
- Does this include IRS limits?
- No—enter realistic contribution amounts for your plan.
- Vesting?
- Employer match is assumed fully vested in this simplified model.
- Roth vs traditional?
- Tax treatment is not modeled—balance is gross.
- Negative returns?
- Return may be set from −20% to 20% for scenario planning.
How to use the 401(k) projection calculator
Each month the balance grows by the monthly return rate, then your contribution plus employer match is added.
- Enter current 401(k) balance.
- Set monthly deferral and employer match percent.
- Pick expected return and years until retirement.
When to use this calculator
- Seeing how raising contributions affects retirement.
- Comparing 50% vs 100% employer match scenarios.
- Early-career vs mid-career projection checks.
Examples & walkthrough
- $25k now, $500/mo, 50% match, 7% return, 30 years → balance well above contributions alone.
- Higher return assumptions inflate projections—stress-test with lower rates too.