Project a 401(k) balance including the employer match.
How to use this calculator
Every field updates the result as you type — there is no submit step. The inputs below are pre-filled with a realistic example so you can see how the tool behaves before entering your own figures.
| Field | Unit | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Annual salary | $ | Enter a numeric value. |
| Your contribution | % of salary | Enter a numeric value. |
| Employer match | % of your contribution | Enter a numeric value. |
| Match limit | % of salary | Enter a numeric value. |
| Current balance | $ | Enter a numeric value. |
| Annual raise | % | Enter a numeric value. |
| Annual return | % | Enter a numeric value. |
| Years to retirement | yrs | Enter a numeric value. |
| Current age | — | Used to apply catch-up contribution limits |
| Employee deferral limit | $ | Enter a numeric value. |
| Catch-up limit (age 50+) | $ | Enter a numeric value. |
| Cap contributions at the limit | yes / no | Toggle this on to include it in the calculation. |
Worked example
Using the default values loaded into the calculator above, the result is:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual salary ($) | 85000 |
| Your contribution (% of salary) | 8 |
| Employer match (% of your contribution) | 50 |
| Match limit (% of salary) | 6 |
| Current balance ($) | 40000 |
| Annual raise (%) | 3 |
| Annual return (%) | 7 |
| Years to retirement (yrs) | 30 |
| Current age | 35 |
| Output | Value |
|---|---|
| Projected 401(k) balance | $1,601,321.66 |
| Your contributions | $323,512.83 |
| Employer match | $121,317.31 |
| Investment growth | $1,116,491.52 |
Reading the result
Financial projections compound small assumption changes into large differences over time. Rates, fees and tax treatment vary by lender and jurisdiction, so treat the output as a well-structured estimate for comparing options rather than a quotation.
Figures that change annually — tax bands, contribution limits, statutory rates — are exposed as editable inputs. Check them against current published values before relying on the result.
Sharing and saving a calculation
The "Copy link" button encodes every value you have entered into the page URL. Opening that link restores the calculation exactly, which makes it easy to bookmark a scenario, send it to someone else, or keep several variations side by side in separate tabs.
Frequently asked questions
What does the 401K Calculator do?
Project a 401(k) balance including the employer match.
What result do the default values produce?
With the values pre-loaded in the calculator, projected 401(k) balance comes to $1,601,321.66.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes. It is free, requires no account, and runs entirely in your browser — nothing you enter is transmitted or stored on a server.
Can I save or share a calculation?
Yes. The "Copy link" button builds a URL containing all your entered values. Anyone opening that link sees the same calculation.
How accurate is the result?
The calculation itself is exact for the inputs given. Real-world accuracy depends on how well those inputs reflect your actual situation, so review the assumptions before relying on the figure.