Skip to content
DayUtils

401(k) Calculator – Employer Match and Balance at Retirement

Project your 401(k) balance at retirement from your salary, contribution percentage, employer match, raises and investment return. The calculator applies the current IRS employee contribution limit and the age-50 catch-up, and shows whether you’re getting the full match.

Loading tool…

How to use the 401(k) calculator

  1. Enter your annual salary and the percentage you contribute.
  2. Enter your employer match — for example 50% of your contribution up to 6% of pay.
  3. Enter your current balance, expected salary increase and investment return.
  4. Enter your age and retirement age.

The result shows your projected balance, what you contribute this year (and per biweekly paycheck), what your employer adds, and how the final balance splits between your money, the match and growth.

How the projection works

Each year until retirement:

Your contribution = lower of (Salary × your %) and the IRS limit
Match = Match % × lower of (your contribution, Salary × match limit %)
Balance = Balance × (1 + return) + contributions

Your salary grows by the raise you enter, and from age 50 the catch-up is added to the limit. Contributions are assumed to arrive through the year, so they earn about half a year of return in the year they are made.

Worked example

  • Salary $75,000, contributing 6% = $4,500 this year (about $173 per biweekly paycheck)
  • Match 50% up to 6% = $2,250 this year
  • Balance $10,000, age 30, retiring at 65, raises 2%, return 6%

Projected balance at 65 ≈ $1,065,000: about $225,000 from you, $112,000 from your employer and the rest investment growth.

2026 contribution limits

LimitAmount
Employee deferral$24,500
Catch-up, age 50+$8,000
Catch-up, ages 60–63$11,250

Source: IRS Notice 2025-67. Limits change most years — check the IRS website.

Traditional and Roth 401(k)

Many employers now offer both. Traditional contributions come out of your pay before income tax, so your paycheck falls by less than the amount you save, but withdrawals in retirement are taxed. Roth 401(k) contributions are taxed today and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. The employee limit is shared between the two. The calculator works the same for either — the difference is when the tax is paid.

Tips to grow your 401(k)

  • Always get the full match. It is an instant return on your money.
  • Raise your contribution by 1% a year, ideally when you get a raise.
  • Choose low-cost index funds if your plan offers them.
  • Don’t cash out when changing jobs — roll it over instead.

Compare with an IRA using the Roth IRA calculator, see the effect on your pay with the paycheck calculator, and check your whole plan with the retirement calculator. Not tax advice — see our disclaimer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?

The IRS employee deferral limit for 2026 is $24,500. Workers aged 50 and over can add an $8,000 catch-up, and those aged 60 to 63 can add a higher $11,250 catch-up instead. Employer contributions have a separate, higher overall limit.

How does a 401(k) match work?

A common formula is “50% of your contributions up to 6% of salary”. If you earn $75,000 and contribute 6% ($4,500), your employer adds $2,250. If you contribute only 3%, you get just $1,125 — half the free money.

How much will my 401(k) be worth?

On $75,000 a year, contributing 6% with a 50% match up to 6%, 2% raises, a 6% return and a $10,000 balance at age 30, the projection is about $1.07 million by 65. About $225,000 is your money, $112,000 the match and the rest growth.

Should I choose a traditional or Roth 401(k)?

Traditional contributions lower your tax now and are taxed when withdrawn; Roth contributions are taxed now and come out tax-free in retirement. If you expect a higher tax rate later, Roth often wins. Many people split between both.

What happens if I withdraw early?

Withdrawals before age 59½ are usually taxed and charged a 10% penalty, with some exceptions. Loans and hardship withdrawals have their own rules — check your plan.

Is the projection guaranteed?

No. Returns vary, and the calculator keeps today’s contribution limit even though the IRS usually raises it. Treat the figure as an estimate in future dollars.

Related tools

Last updated: