401k Calculator

Project your 401(k) balance at retirement with employer match, 2025 contribution limits, catch-up contributions, and year-by-year growth breakdowns.

👤 Your Details

Current Age

Retirement Age

Current 401k Balance ($)

Annual Salary ($)

💰 Contributions

Your Contribution (% of salary)

Employer Match (%)

Employer Match Cap (% of salary)

Expected Salary Increase (% / year)

📈 Growth

Expected Annual Return (%)

📋 2025 Employee Contribution Limits

Age	Limit
Under 50	$23,500
50–59 & 64+	$31,000 (includes $7,500 catch-up)
60–63	$34,750 (super catch-up)

How the 401k Calculator Works

This calculator projects your 401(k) balance at retirement by modeling annual employee contributions (capped at IRS limits based on your age), employer matching contributions, salary growth, and compound investment returns year by year.

2025 Contribution Limits

Under 50: $23,500 annual employee contribution limit
Ages 50–59 & 64+: $31,000 (base + $7,500 catch-up contribution)
Ages 60–63: $34,750 (base + $11,250 super catch-up — new for 2025 under SECURE 2.0)

Employer Match

Most employers match a percentage of your contributions up to a cap. For example, "50% match up to 6% of salary" means if you contribute at least 6% of your salary, your employer adds an amount equal to 3% of your salary. Always contribute enough to capture the full employer match — it's an instant 50–100% return on that money.

The Power of Starting Early

Thanks to compound growth, money invested in your 20s and 30s has the most time to multiply. A $10,000 contribution at age 25 can grow to over $100,000 by age 65 at 7% annual returns. The same contribution at age 45 would only reach about $38,000. Time in the market beats timing the market.

The 4% Rule

The 4% rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your portfolio in year one of retirement, then adjusting for inflation. With $1 million saved, that's $40,000/year or $3,333/month. This approach has historically sustained portfolios over 30-year retirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 2025 401k contribution limits?

For 2025, the employee contribution limit is $23,500 for those under 50. Workers aged 50–59 and 64+ can contribute up to $31,000 (including a $7,500 catch-up). A new "super catch-up" for ages 60–63 allows up to $34,750. The total combined employer + employee limit is $70,000.

How does employer 401k match work?

An employer match means your company contributes additional money to your 401k based on your own contributions. A common match is 50% of your contributions up to 6% of salary. For example, if you earn $80,000 and contribute 6% ($4,800), your employer adds $2,400. This is essentially free money — always contribute enough to get the full match.

What is 401k vesting and why does it matter?

Vesting determines how much of your employer's match you get to keep if you leave the company. Your own contributions are always 100% yours. Employer contributions may vest over 3–6 years on a graded or cliff schedule. For example, with 3-year cliff vesting, you keep 0% of employer match until year 3, then 100%. Always check your vesting schedule before changing jobs.

Should I choose Roth 401k or Traditional 401k?

Traditional 401k contributions are pre-tax — they reduce your taxable income now but you pay taxes on withdrawals in retirement. Roth 401k contributions are after-tax — no upfront tax break, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Choose Roth if you expect higher taxes in retirement, or Traditional if you want the tax break now. Many advisors recommend splitting contributions between both.

What is the 4% rule for retirement income?

The 4% rule is a guideline suggesting you can withdraw 4% of your retirement savings annually with low risk of running out over a 30-year retirement. For example, with $1 million saved, you could withdraw $40,000 per year ($3,333/month). It's based on historical stock/bond returns and is a starting point — adjust based on your specific situation, expenses, and other income sources.

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401k Calculator

👤 Your Details

💰 Contributions

📈 Growth

📋 2025 Employee Contribution Limits

🏦 Balance at Retirement

💵 Monthly Income (4% Rule)

🤝 Total Employer Match

📈 Growth Multiplier

📊 401k Growth Over Time