401(k) Calculator — Project Your Retirement Savings

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Enter your details to see your projected 401(k) balance

Frequently Asked Questions

How does employer matching work?

Many employers match a percentage of your 401(k) contributions up to a limit. For example, a 50% match on contributions up to 6% of salary means if you earn $75,000 and contribute $4,500 (6%), your employer adds $2,250. This is essentially free money.

What is a good 401(k) contribution rate?

Financial advisors generally recommend contributing at least enough to get your full employer match. Beyond that, 10-15% of income (including employer match) is a common target. The 2024 employee contribution limit is $23,000 ($30,500 for those 50+).

What return rate should I use?

The historical average annual return of the S&P 500 is roughly 10% before inflation, or 7% after inflation. Using 7% is a reasonable conservative estimate for long-term planning.

How does compound interest help?

Compound interest means your earnings generate their own earnings over time. Starting early is critical — investing $6,000/year from age 25 to 65 at 7% yields about $1.2 million, while starting at 35 yields only about $567,000.