401(k) Contribution Calculator
See how your 401(k) balance grows over time based on your contribution rate, employer match, and expected investment return. The calculator caps your annual contribution at the IRS limit (with the appropriate catch-up if you're 50+ or in the SECURE 2.0 super-catch-up window of 60-63).
How is this calculated?
Each year the model contributes your specified percentage of salary, capped at the IRS elective deferral limit ($23,500 for 2025; +$7,500 catch-up at 50+; +$11,250 super-catch-up at 60-63 under SECURE 2.0). Employer match is calculated as ‘match rate × min(your contribution, matchable salary)’. End-of-year contributions plus prior balance grow at the expected return rate. Salary grows at the specified annual rate. This is a simplified model — real returns vary year to year, and actual contribution timing is per-paycheck rather than annual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the IRS contribution limit?
The 2025 elective deferral limit is $23,500 (the amount YOU can contribute pre-tax, separate from any employer match). Workers age 50+ can add a $7,500 catch-up (so $31,000). Under SECURE 2.0, workers ages 60-63 can use a super-catch-up of $11,250 (so $34,750). The 2026 limit will be announced by the IRS in late 2025.
How much should I contribute?
At minimum, contribute enough to capture your full employer match — that's free money. Beyond that, common rules of thumb: 15% of gross income (including the match), or 'max it out' if your budget allows. The calculator lets you model the difference instantly.
What's a typical employer match?
Common formulas: '100% match up to 3% of salary' (full dollar-for-dollar to that point) or '50% match up to 6%' (half-dollar to that point). Either way, the maximum employer contribution is usually 3% of your salary. Plug in your specifics — if your employer offers 100% to 5%, set Match Rate=100 and Match Up To=5.
What if I change jobs?
You typically have four options: leave it in the old plan, roll into the new employer's 401(k), roll into an IRA, or cash out (avoid this — early-withdrawal penalty + tax). The model assumes continuous employment; for job changes, run the calculator separately for each phase or use the projected balance as a starting balance.
Roth or traditional 401(k)?
Traditional 401(k): pre-tax now, taxed in retirement. Roth 401(k): after-tax now, tax-free in retirement. Same IRS limit applies. Rule of thumb: if you expect a lower tax bracket in retirement, traditional wins; if higher, Roth wins. Many people split contributions to hedge. This calculator models traditional (pre-tax) only.
Last updated: May 2026 · Rates sourced from IRS