401k Calculator 2026 - Free 401k Growth Calculator
Calculate your 401k balance at retirement with our free 401k calculator. Includes employer match calculations, contribution limits, and growth projections. Plan your 401k contributions to maximize your retirement savings.
2026 limit: $24,000 ($31,000 if 50+)
Employer matches up to this % of your salary
How to Use the 401k Calculator 2026
Our free 401k calculator helps you project your 401k balance at retirement. Simply enter your current age, retirement age, current 401k balance, salary, contribution percentage, and employer match details. The calculator shows you exactly how much your 401k will be worth at retirement.
401k Contribution Limits 2026: For 2026, the 401k contribution limit is $24,000 ($31,000 if you're 50 or older). Our calculator automatically caps contributions at these limits. Employer matches don't count toward this limit, so you can receive additional employer contributions on top of your $24,000.(Source: IRS.gov)
Employer Match: Many employers offer a 401k match, typically matching 50-100% of your contributions up to a certain percentage of your salary. This is essentially free money that significantly boosts your retirement savings. For example, if your employer matches 50% up to 6% of salary, and you earn $75,000, contributing 6% ($4,500) gets you an additional $2,250 from your employer.
Maximizing Your 401k: To maximize your 401k, contribute at least enough to get the full employer match, and ideally contribute up to the annual limit. Our calculator shows you how employer matching and compound growth can dramatically increase your retirement balance. Even small increases in contribution percentage can add hundreds of thousands to your retirement savings over time.
401k vs IRA: Both 401k and IRA accounts offer tax advantages, but 401k plans typically have higher contribution limits and employer matching. Many people use both: max out 401k for employer match, then contribute to IRA. Compare 401k vs IRA with our IRA calculator.
Official Sources: Contribution limits and rules are based onIRS.gov retirement plan guidelines. For the most current information, visit theIRS 401k contribution limits page.
Frequently Asked Questions - 401k Calculator
You should contribute at least enough to get your full employer match (typically 3-6% of salary). Ideally, contribute up to the annual limit: $24,000 in 2026 ($31,000 if you're 50 or older). Our 401k calculator shows how different contribution amounts affect your retirement balance.
The 401k contribution limit for 2026 is $24,000 for employees under 50, and $31,000 for those 50 and older (catch-up contribution). This limit applies to your employee contributions only; employer matches don't count toward this limit. For official IRS limits, visitIRS.gov.
Employer 401k match is free money your employer contributes to your 401k. Common matches are 50-100% of your contributions up to 3-6% of your salary. For example, if your employer matches 50% up to 6% of salary, and you contribute 6%, they'll add 3% more. Our calculator shows how employer matching significantly boosts your retirement savings.
If you can afford it, maxing out your 401k is one of the best ways to save for retirement. The tax benefits, employer match, and compound growth make 401k contributions very powerful. However, make sure you have an emergency fund and aren't carrying high-interest debt first.