TradeTidingsTradeTidings
Retirement

401(k) Calculator

Project your 401(k) growth, including employer match.

$80.0K
$
$25.0K
$
10 % of salary
% of salary

$8,000/yr of $23,500 limit

50 % of your contribution
% of your contribution
6 % of salary
% of salary
7%
%
30 yrs
yrs
Projected 401(k) balance
$1,260,221
$1.26M
Total contributed
$337,000
Investment growth
$923,221
Free employer match over time
$72,000
$2,400/yr
Balance growth until retirement
Invested Projected value

Contributing 10% of a $80,000 salary is $8,000/yr; your employer adds $2,400/yr by matching 50% of your first 6% of pay. The 2025 employee limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if 50+). Estimate only, not tax or investment advice.

About this calculator

A 401(k) is the workhorse of US retirement saving: contributions come out of your paycheck pre-tax, grow tax-deferred, and are often boosted by an employer match — effectively free money. This calculator projects your balance at retirement from your salary, contribution percentage, employer match, and expected return.

Capturing the full employer match is one of the highest-return moves available to most savers. The tool shows how much of your projected balance comes from the match alone.

Frequently asked questions

How does the employer match work?

A common formula is a 50% match on the first 6% of salary you contribute. Enter your employer's match rate and cap to see how much they add. Contributing at least enough to get the full match is usually worthwhile.

What are the contribution limits?

For 2025 the employee contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 including catch-up if you're 50+). Employer contributions are on top of that, up to a higher combined cap.

Related calculators

These calculators are for general information and planning only. They use the assumptions you enter and do not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Tax figures are simplified estimates for the stated tax year. Returns are not guaranteed; verify figures independently before making decisions.