401(k) calculator

See how much your 401(k) could be worth when you retire, including your employer's match and the 2026 contribution limits.

2026 401(k) contribution limits

Your age in 2026	Employee limit
Under 50	$24,500
50 to 59, or 64 and over	$32,500 ($24,500 + $8,000 catch-up)
60 to 63	$35,750 ($24,500 + $11,250 catch-up)

Employer matching contributions do not count toward your own limit. The calculator caps your contributions at the limit for your age each year and assumes the limits stay at 2026 levels, so long-range projections are conservative.

How an employer match works

A common match is "50% of what you contribute, up to 6% of your salary". On a $70,000 salary, putting in 6% ($4,200) gets you another $2,100 from your employer. Contributing less than the full match leaves free money on the table.

Example

Starting at 30 with $10,000 saved, a $70,000 salary rising 3% a year, 6% contributions and that match, and a 7% average return, the balance at 67 would be about $1.58 million. You would have paid in about $277,900 and your employer about $139,000. The rest, over $1.15 million, is investment growth.

Frequently asked questions

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

Traditional contributions lower your taxable income now, and you pay tax when you withdraw in retirement. Roth contributions are taxed now, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. If you expect a higher tax rate in retirement, Roth can come out ahead. Both share the same contribution limit.

When can I take money out?

Withdrawals before age 59½ usually carry a 10% penalty on top of income tax, with some exceptions. Required minimum distributions from traditional accounts start at age 73 for most people.

What return should I use?

US stocks have historically returned roughly 10% a year before inflation and about 7% after it, but results vary a lot from year to year and a mix of stocks and bonds usually returns less. Try a lower rate to see a more cautious picture.

For illustration only. Contributions are added at the end of each year. Real returns vary and investments can lose value. Limits: IRS 401(k) contribution limits.