Project your 401(k) balance at retirement, including employer match and growth.
Calculated instantly in your browser — your figures never leave your device.
How is a 401(k) balance calculated?
Each year the balance grows by your expected return, then your contribution (salary × contribution %) and employer match (salary × the lesser of your contribution % and the match limit, × the match rate) are added. On a 60,000 salary contributing 6% with a 50% match up to 6%, you add 3,600 and the employer adds 1,800, which then compounds at your expected return.
Understanding your result
The employer match is effectively free money, so contributing at least enough to get the full match is usually the first priority. Longer time horizons benefit most from compounding.
Formula and method
Each year the balance grows by the expected return and then your contribution (salary × contribution %) and the employer match (salary × the lesser of your contribution % and the match limit, × the match rate) are added.
Assumptions and limitations
This is a simplified annual model. It does not account for salary growth, contribution limits, fees, inflation or taxes on withdrawal, which vary by plan and year.
Worked example
On a 60,000 salary contributing 6% with a 50% match up to 6%, you add 3,600 and the employer adds 1,800 each year, which then compounds at your expected return.
How to use this tool
- Enter your current balance, salary and contribution percent.
- Add your employer match rate and limit.
- Set your expected return and ages, then Calculate.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Contributing below the match limit and leaving employer money on the table.
- Assuming a high return is guaranteed — markets vary year to year.
About the 401(k) Calculator
The 401(k) Calculator projects how big your retirement pot could grow. It combines your contributions, your employer’s match and compound investment growth, and shows the breakdown plus a year-by-year balance chart.
Who should use this tool
Employees with a 401(k) (or similar workplace plan) who want to see how their contribution rate and employer match shape their retirement savings.
Benefits
- See your projected balance at retirement.
- Understand how much comes from you, your employer and growth.
- Test how raising your contribution changes the outcome.
- Private — your salary and balance never leave your browser.
Practical use cases
- Deciding whether to increase your contribution to get the full match.
- Comparing an earlier vs later retirement age.
- Seeing the long-term impact of a higher expected return.
Frequently asked questions
What is an employer match?
Your employer adds money based on what you contribute — for example 50% of your contributions up to 6% of your salary. It is part of your pay, so it is worth capturing in full.
Does this include taxes or fees?
No. It is a pre-tax projection of growth and excludes plan fees, inflation and withdrawal taxes, which depend on your plan and situation.
How does the employer match affect my final balance?
The match adds money on top of your own contribution, up to the limit and rate your plan sets, and that extra amount then compounds alongside your savings. Contributing at least enough to receive the full match is often the first step, since it increases your balance at no extra cost to you.