401(k) Calculator

Estimate your annual 401(k) contribution, employer contribution, projected retirement balance, and whether you are leaving match dollars on the table—without exceeding the 2026 IRS limits.

Free to use No account required Private by default Educational estimates only

Annual salary$ Current ageyears Contribution % of salary 10% The calculator automatically applies the 2026 age-based employee deferral limit. How does your employer contribute?

Employer match %% Employer match cap% salary

Employer contribution % of salary % Often called a nonelective contribution. Confirm the formula and vesting rules in your plan documents. Expected annual return% Years until retirementyears

401(k) contribution estimate

Your 401(k) projection

See your annual contribution, employer match, total dollars going in, and a projected balance at retirement.

Estimated employer contribution $0 Match guidance appears here.

Your annual contribution$0

Employer annual contribution$0

Total annual going in$0

Projected balance$0

Projected monthly income$0

Withdrawal assumption4%

What this means

Your 401(k) projection appears after the calculation runs.

How this calculator works

How the 401(k) match is estimated

The calculator multiplies salary by your requested contribution rate, caps the employee amount at the applicable 2026 IRS deferral limit, then estimates either a match or a salary-based employer contribution.

What to try first

If your contribution rate is below the match cap, test raising it to the cap. That shows how much employer match may be available before changing other assumptions.

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401(k) FAQ

Common contribution and match questions

What is an employer match cap?

The cap is the portion of salary the employer will match. A 6% cap means contributions above 6% of salary may not receive additional match dollars.

Does this include IRS contribution limits?

Yes. For 2026, employee deferrals are capped at $24,500, plus an $8,000 catch-up at age 50 or older or an $11,250 catch-up at ages 60–63, if the plan allows. The calculator also caps employee plus employer additions at the applicable overall limit. Your plan may impose lower limits.

Can an employer contribute even if I contribute less?

Yes. The IRS describes nonelective contributions as an employer contribution equal to a percentage of compensation for eligible employees, regardless of whether the employee makes elective deferrals. Select “Contributes a % of salary regardless” to model that formula.

Primary sources: IRS 2026 401(k) contribution limits and IRS employer contribution options.

These calculators are for educational purposes only and are not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the assumptions provided.