401(k) Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement from your contributions, employer match, raises and investment return — using the 2026 IRS limits and catch-up rules.
You and your plan
| Your contributions | $290,218 |
| Employer contributions | $145,109 |
| Investment growth | $1,223,029 |
| This year: you / employer | $4,800 / $2,400 |
Balance by age
| Age | Salary | You + employer | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | $80,000 | $7,200 | $28,852 |
| 35 | $90,041 | $8,104 | $73,374 |
| 40 | $104,382 | $9,394 | $155,452 |
| 45 | $121,007 | $10,891 | $278,939 |
| 50 | $140,280 | $12,625 | $461,837 |
| 55 | $162,624 | $14,636 | $729,609 |
| 60 | $188,525 | $16,967 | $1,118,209 |
| 65 | $218,552 | $19,670 | $1,678,356 |
Projection only — returns are not guaranteed. Contribution limits are held at 2026 levels (they usually rise with inflation). Traditional 401(k) withdrawals are taxed as income; Roth withdrawals can be tax-free.
Quick answer
In 2026 you can defer up to $24,500 of salary into a 401(k), plus $8,000 in catch-up contributions from age 50 ($11,250 at ages 60–63). Contributing 6% of an $80,000 salary with a 50% employer match on the first 6% puts $7,200 a year into your account — $4,800 from you and $2,400 of free money from your employer.
How the projection works
Each year your contribution is your salary times your contribution percentage, capped at the IRS limit for your age. The employer match is the match rate times what you contribute, on contributions up to the matched percentage of pay. Your balance grows at the return you enter; contributions made during the year earn about half a year of growth.
Salary rises by your raise percentage each year. The IRS limits are held at 2026 levels, so long projections are slightly conservative — the real limits rise with inflation.
Getting the most from your 401(k)
- Always contribute at least enough to collect the full employer match — it is an instant 50–100% return on that money.
- Traditional contributions lower your taxable income now; Roth contributions are taxed now but qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
- From 2026, catch-up contributions must be Roth if your wages from that employer were above about $150,000 the previous year.
- Check your vesting schedule: employer contributions may only become fully yours after several years of service.
- Withdrawals before age 59½ usually incur a 10% penalty on top of income tax.
Reference tables & worked examples
| Your age in the year | Elective deferral | Catch-up | Total you can defer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 | — | $24,500 |
| 50–59 or 64+ | $24,500 | $8,000 | $32,500 |
| 60–63 | $24,500 | $11,250 | $35,750 |
| Starting salary | Start at 25 | Start at 35 | Start at 45 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,515,294 | $670,808 | $266,975 |
| $75,000 | $2,272,942 | $1,006,213 | $400,462 |
| $100,000 | $3,030,589 | $1,341,617 | $533,950 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
$24,500 for employee deferrals. If you are 50 or older you can add $8,000 of catch-up contributions, or $11,250 if you are 60 to 63.
What is the total 401(k) limit including the employer match?
Employee and employer contributions together are limited to $72,000 in 2026, plus any catch-up contributions.
How does an employer match work?
A common formula is 50% of what you contribute, up to 6% of pay: contribute 6% and the employer adds 3%. Contribute less and you lose part of the match.
How much should I put in my 401(k)?
At least enough to get the full match. Many planners suggest saving 10–15% of pay for retirement in total, including the employer match.
Should I choose traditional or Roth 401(k)?
Traditional saves tax now and is usually better if you expect a lower tax rate in retirement; Roth is usually better if you expect a higher rate later or are early in your career.
What return should I assume?
Many projections use 5–7% a year for a diversified stock-heavy portfolio after fees. Use a lower figure for a more cautious plan.
Sources
Estimates for general information only — not tax, legal or financial advice. Check your payslip, employer or a qualified adviser before acting.
Popular salary breakdowns
Take-home pay for every common US salaryRelated tools & guides
Get notified when IRS brackets and limits change
One email when the IRS publishes new inflation adjustments (brackets, standard deduction, 401(k) limits) and our calculators are updated.