401(k) Calculator
See where your 401(k) is headed. Enter your salary, contribution, and employer match to project the balance at retirement — and how much of it is free employer money.
Projected 401(k) balance
How you compare
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Check it outDon't leave the match on the table
An employer match is an immediate, guaranteed return — a 50% match on the first 6% of pay is free money you only get by contributing enough to capture it. This projects your balance with monthly compounding and shows the employer match as both an annual figure and a multi-year total, which is often tens of thousands of dollars.
How it’s calculated
Annual contribution = your % of pay + employer match (match rate × the lesser of your % and the match limit), compounded monthly to retirement.
Results update as you type and are estimates, not professional advice — verify important decisions with a qualified professional.
Worked example
$70k salary, 6% contribution with a 50%-to-6% match, $20k balance at 7% for 30 years grows to ~$800k — $63k of it free match.
Common mistakes
- Contributing below the match and leaving free money behind.
- Assuming a steady return and ignoring fees.
Where it is used
- Seeing your projected 401(k) balance.
- Checking you contribute enough to get the full match.
Frequently asked questions
How does the match work?
A common setup matches 50% of your contributions up to 6% of pay. Contribute at least to the limit to capture the full match.
What return should I assume?
Be conservative and long-term. Markets vary year to year; this assumes a steady average and ignores fees and taxes.
Are taxes included?
No. Traditional 401(k) withdrawals are taxed later; Roth contributions are taxed now. This shows the pre-tax balance.
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