DIY Cost Tools

401(k) Calculator

FINANCIAL CALCULATOR

Estimate how salary contributions, employer matching, current savings, investment return, and time could affect a 401(k) balance.

Current annual salary ($)
Your contribution (%)
Employer match (%)
Match limit (% of salary)
Current balance ($)
Annual return (%)
Years to save
Annual salary growth (%)

Projected balance$761,938

First-year employee contribution$4,200

First-year employer match$2,100

Estimated investment growth$453,204

How it works

The estimate grows salary annually, adds employee and employer contributions, and compounds the balance once per year.

Formula

Annual employee contribution = salary × contribution rate
Employer contribution = salary × lesser of contribution rate or match limit × match rate

Important limits

Actual returns vary and are not guaranteed.
Contribution limits, vesting, fees, taxes, withdrawals, and plan rules are not modeled.
Use your plan documents and a qualified professional for retirement decisions.

Frequently asked questions

What does a 50% match mean?

The employer contributes 50 cents for each eligible dollar you contribute, up to the plan’s match limit.

Are contributions added monthly?

This simplified model adds them annually, so payroll-based results may differ slightly.

Review notes

The projection uses user-entered assumptions and clearly separates contributions from estimated growth. Last reviewed September 30, 2026.