401(k) Calculator

Calculate your 401(k) retirement savings with employer matching. See how your contributions, employer match, and compound growth build your retirement nest egg.

401(k) Projection

Balance at Retirement

$2,250,531

Monthly Retirement Income

$7,502

Based on 4% rule

Your Total Contributions$453,466
Total Employer Match$136,040
Total Interest Earned$1,636,026
Years to Retirement35 years

Personal Information

years
years
25,000300,000

Your Contributions

% of salary
030
Annual Contribution$7,500
Monthly Contribution$625

Employer Match

% of your contribution
% of salary
Annual Employer Match+$2,250
Maximum Possible Match$2,250
Match Utilization100%

Growth Assumptions

%
%

Historical S&P 500 average: ~10% (7% inflation-adjusted)

Projected Growth

Where Your Money Comes From

$453,466

Your Contributions

20.1% of total

$136,040

Employer Match

Free money!

$1,636,026

Investment Growth

72.7% of total

Year-by-Year Projection

AgeYour Contrib.Employer MatchGrowthBalance
35$8,441+$2,532+$5,950$96,438
40$9,786+$2,936+$13,087$206,409
45$11,344+$3,403+$23,853$371,982
50$13,151+$3,945+$39,828$617,343
55$15,246+$4,574+$63,248$976,704
60$17,674+$5,302+$97,273$1,498,383
65$20,489+$6,147+$146,360$2,250,531

Impact of Contribution Rate

5% contribution

$1,411,309

+$113,366 match

10% contribution

$2,250,531

+$136,040 match

15% contribution

$2,962,508

+$136,040 match

20% contribution

$3,504,474

+$136,040 match

Quick Answer

A 401k calculator projects how your retirement account will grow based on contributions, employer match, and investment returns. At practicalwebtools.com, enter your salary, contribution rate, employer match, and expected return to see your 401k at retirement. The 2025 contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if 50+).

Key Facts

  • 2025 401k contribution limit: $23,500 ($31,000 if 50+)
  • Average employer match: 4.7% of salary
  • Not taking full employer match = leaving free money on the table
  • Traditional 401k: Pre-tax contributions, taxed at withdrawal
  • Roth 401k: After-tax contributions, tax-free withdrawals
  • Early withdrawal penalty: 10% plus income tax (before 59.5)
  • Required Minimum Distributions start at age 73

Frequently Asked Questions

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan that allows employees to contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars from their paycheck. Many employers offer matching contributions up to a certain percentage, essentially providing free money toward your retirement.
For 2024, the employee contribution limit is $23,000. If you're 50 or older, you can make an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500, bringing your total to $30,500. The combined limit for employee and employer contributions is $69,000 (or $76,500 with catch-up).
Employer matching is when your employer contributes money to your 401(k) based on your contributions. A common match is 50% of your contribution up to 6% of salary. So if you earn $100,000 and contribute 6% ($6,000), your employer adds $3,000. This is essentially free money.
Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax, reducing your current taxable income but taxed on withdrawal. Roth 401(k) contributions are after-tax, providing tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Choose Roth if you expect higher taxes in retirement, Traditional if you expect lower taxes.
You can start penalty-free withdrawals at age 59½. Early withdrawals typically incur a 10% penalty plus income taxes, though exceptions exist for hardship, disability, or substantially equal periodic payments (Rule 72t). Required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73.
Financial experts recommend contributing at least enough to get your full employer match (otherwise you're leaving free money). Beyond that, aim for 10-15% of income. The ideal amount depends on your age, retirement goals, and other savings.