401(k) Calculator
See how your 401(k) could grow with your contributions and your employer's match.
How a 401(k) grows
A 401(k) is an employer retirement plan. You put in a percentage of each paycheck, often before tax, and many employers add a matching contribution. Both grow tax-deferred until you withdraw.
The 2026 limits
- Employee contributions: $24,500 a year.
- Catch-up for age 50 and over: $8,000, and $11,250 for ages 60 to 63.
- Total from you and your employer: $72,000.
Example
A 30-year-old earning $75,000 with $25,000 saved, giving 6% and receiving a 50% match up to 6%, with 3% raises and a 6% return, could have about $1.29 million at 65, or roughly $543,000 in today’s money.
Always contribute at least enough to get the full employer match, since it is part of your pay. Withdrawals are taxed, and taking them before age 59½ usually triggers a penalty. Returns are not guaranteed, so try a lower figure too.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good 401(k) match?
Common formulas are 50% of the first 6% or a dollar-for-dollar match up to 3 to 4%. Check your plan documents.
Are my contributions taxed?
With a traditional 401(k), contributions are pre-tax and withdrawals are taxed. A Roth 401(k) works the other way round.
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