401(k) calculator

See how your 401(k) contributions and your employer’s match could grow by retirement, and how much free money you might be leaving on the table.

By OpenBookMoney Editors · Free, no sign-up · Updated Oct 15, 2026

401(k) & employer match calculator

See how your workplace retirement contributions and your employer’s match could grow — and whether you’re leaving free money on the table.

Example: a 50% match up to 6% of salary means your employer adds 50 cents for every dollar you contribute, on the first 6% of your pay.
Projected balance at age 65 $1,126,120 You plus your employer will contribute $375 a month to start
Your contributions $181,386
Employer match $90,693
Investment growth $834,041
Match per year today $1,500

You’re missing about $750 of free employer money this year. Contributing 6.0% would capture the full match and could add about $456,294 by retirement.

Where your balance comes from Age 65 · $1,126,120
Your contributions Employer match Investment growth

Year by year

Age Salary You Employer Balance
31 $75,000 $3,000 $1,500 $26,043
32 $77,250 $3,090 $1,545 $32,647
33 $79,568 $3,183 $1,591 $39,858
34 $81,955 $3,278 $1,639 $47,721
35 $84,413 $3,377 $1,688 $56,287
36 $86,946 $3,478 $1,739 $65,609
37 $89,554 $3,582 $1,791 $75,745
38 $92,241 $3,690 $1,845 $86,757
39 $95,008 $3,800 $1,900 $98,712
40 $97,858 $3,914 $1,957 $111,679
41 $100,794 $4,032 $2,016 $125,736
42 $103,818 $4,153 $2,076 $140,964
43 $106,932 $4,277 $2,139 $157,450
44 $110,140 $4,406 $2,203 $175,290
45 $113,444 $4,538 $2,269 $194,582
46 $116,848 $4,674 $2,337 $215,436
47 $120,353 $4,814 $2,407 $237,967
48 $123,964 $4,959 $2,479 $262,298
49 $127,682 $5,107 $2,554 $288,563
50 $131,513 $5,261 $2,630 $316,903
51 $135,458 $5,418 $2,709 $347,471
52 $139,522 $5,581 $2,790 $380,431
53 $143,708 $5,748 $2,874 $415,957
54 $148,019 $5,921 $2,960 $454,236
55 $152,460 $6,098 $3,049 $495,470
56 $157,033 $6,281 $3,141 $539,874
57 $161,744 $6,470 $3,235 $587,677
58 $166,597 $6,664 $3,332 $639,127
59 $171,595 $6,864 $3,432 $694,488
60 $176,742 $7,070 $3,535 $754,043
61 $182,045 $7,282 $3,641 $818,095
62 $187,506 $7,500 $3,750 $886,968
63 $193,131 $7,725 $3,863 $961,011
64 $198,925 $7,957 $3,979 $1,040,596
65 $204,893 $8,196 $4,098 $1,126,120

How it’s calculated

Each year: your contribution = salary × your rate; employer match = salary × the smaller of your rate and the match limit × the match percentage. Contributions are invested monthly and grow at your expected return, and your salary rises by the raise rate each year.

The IRS caps annual contributions, and some employers use vesting schedules for matching money — check your plan’s rules and the current limits. Estimates only — not financial advice.

How to use the 401(k) calculator

  1. Enter your annual salary and the percentage you contribute.
  2. Add your employer’s match: the percentage they match and the share of salary they match up to.
  3. Enter your age, the age you plan to retire and your current balance.
  4. Set your expected return and the yearly salary raise.

The year-by-year table shows your contributions, your employer’s match and your growing balance.

How the employer match works

Your contribution = salary × your rate
Employer match = salary × the smaller of (your rate, the match limit) × the match percentage

A common formula is a 50% match on the first 6% of salary. Contributions are invested monthly in the calculator and grow at your expected return.

Example: don’t miss the match

Hypothetical $75,000 salary with a 50% match on the first 6%.
You contributeYour contributionEmployer matchTotal each year
4% of $75,000$3,000$1,500$4,500
6% of $75,000$4,500$2,250$6,750

Raising your contribution from 4% to 6% costs you $1,500 a year before tax but adds $750 of free money from your employer.

2026 401(k) contribution limits

  • $24,500: the most you can contribute from your pay in 2026.
  • $8,000 extra: the catch-up contribution if you’re 50 or older.
  • $11,250 extra instead of $8,000 if you’re 60, 61, 62 or 63 during the year.

Employer contributions don’t count toward your $24,500 limit; a separate, higher limit applies to the total. Limits change most years; see the IRS announcement for the official figures.

Traditional vs. Roth 401(k)

With a traditional 401(k), contributions lower your taxable income today and withdrawals are taxed in retirement. With a Roth 401(k), if your plan offers one, you pay tax now and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Our Roth vs. traditional guide explains how to choose.

Make the most of your 401(k)

  • Contribute at least enough to get the full match.
  • Increase your rate by 1% a year, or whenever you get a raise.
  • Check your fund fees. Low-cost index funds leave more for you; compare with our fund fee calculator.
  • Know your vesting schedule. Matching money may not be fully yours until you’ve worked a certain number of years.
  • See the big picture with our retirement calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?

A common first goal is enough to get your full employer match. Many planners then suggest working toward saving around 15% of your income for retirement, including the match, if your budget allows.

What is a 401(k) match?

It’s money your employer adds to your account based on what you contribute, such as 50 cents for every dollar up to 6% of your salary.

What is vesting?

Vesting decides when your employer’s contributions become fully yours. Your own contributions are always yours. Check your plan’s rules before changing jobs.

Should I choose a 401(k) or an IRA?

Many people use both: the 401(k) for the match and higher limits, and an IRA for more investment choices. Our 401(k) vs. IRA guide compares them.

Does the calculator include taxes and fees?

No. It shows growth before taxes and fees. The IRS limits above also cap how much you can contribute each year.

Estimates only, not financial advice. Check your plan’s rules and the current IRS limits.