How to use the 401(k) calculator
- Enter your age, retirement age, salary and current balance.
- Add your contribution as a percentage of pay and your employer's match, for example 50 % of what you put in up to 6 % of pay.
- Set your expected raise, return and inflation. 7 % before inflation is a common long-run assumption for a stock-heavy mix.
- Read the balance at retirement, how much came from you, your employer and market growth, and what it is worth in today's dollars.
2026 401(k) contribution limits
| Limit | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Employee deferral (pre-tax + Roth 401(k)) | $24,500 |
| Catch-up, age 50 and over | +$8,000 |
| Super catch-up, ages 60 to 63 | +$11,250 (instead of $8,000) |
| Total with employer contributions | $72,000 (plus catch-up) |
Example
A 30-year-old earning $70,000 with $25,000 saved puts in 6 % of pay. The employer adds 50 % of that, up to 6 %. With 3 % raises and a 7 % return, the account reaches about $1.54 million at 65: about $254,000 from the worker, $127,000 from the employer and the rest from growth. At 2.5 % inflation that is about $650,000 in today's dollars, enough for roughly $2,170 a month under the 4 % rule.
Always get the full match
An employer match is an instant 50 % or 100 % return on the money you put in. If your plan matches up to 6 % of pay and you only contribute 3 %, you leave free money on the table every year. The calculator shows how much.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I have in my 401(k) by age?
A common guide is 1× your salary by 30, 3× by 40, 6× by 50, 8× by 60 and 10× by 67. Use the retirement calculator for a full plan.
Traditional or Roth 401(k)?
Traditional lowers your tax now; Roth gives tax-free withdrawals later. If you expect a higher tax rate in retirement, Roth usually wins.
When can I withdraw without penalty?
From age 59½, or from 55 if you leave the employer in or after the year you turn 55. Earlier withdrawals usually pay a 10 % penalty plus income tax.
Sources: IRS, 401(k) and profit-sharing plan contribution limits for 2026; IRS Notice 2025-67; SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. Estimates only, not financial advice.
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Last reviewed: 2026-11-14. Results are estimates based on the returns you enter, not advice. See our disclaimer.