401k Calculator
Project your 401(k) growth and see how employer matching, contribution rates, and investment returns impact your retirement savings. Free, instant results.
Your Age
Your 401(k)
Employer Match
e.g., 50% means employer adds $0.50 for every $1 you contribute
Investment Assumptions
Projected 401(k) at Retirement
Monthly Retirement Income (4% Rule)
Balance Breakdown
401(k) Growth Over Time
Where Your Money Comes From
How to Use This 401(k) Calculator
Enter Your Age
Input your current age and planned retirement age. The calculator will determine how many years your money has to grow through compound interest.
Add Your Balance
Enter your current 401(k) balance, annual salary, and how much you contribute each year. The 2026 maximum is $23,500 (or $31,000 if 50+).
Set Employer Match
Configure your employer's matching formula. A common match is "50% up to 6%" - meaning your employer contributes $0.50 for every $1 you contribute, up to 6% of your salary.
Adjust Assumptions
Set your expected investment return (7% is historical average for stocks) and inflation rate (3% is typical). The calculator shows both nominal and real (inflation-adjusted) values.
Understanding 401(k) Growth
The Power of Compound Interest
Your 401(k) grows through compound interest - meaning you earn returns not just on your contributions, but on your previous returns as well. This creates exponential growth over time, which is why starting early is so important.
Example:
If you invest $10,000 at age 25 with 7% annual returns, by age 65 it grows to $149,745 - nearly 15x your initial investment! The same $10,000 invested at age 45 only grows to $38,697.
The Three Sources of Growth
Your Contributions
Money you contribute from each paycheck, pre-tax (Traditional) or post-tax (Roth).
Employer Match
Free money! Your employer contributes based on your contributions. Always contribute enough to get the full match - it's an instant 50-100% return.
Investment Growth
Returns from your investments. Over long periods, this often becomes the largest portion of your balance due to compound growth.
401(k) Contribution Limits 2026
Under Age 50
Maximum employee contribution limit for 2026. This is the most you can defer from your salary into a Traditional or Roth 401(k).
Age 50 and Over
Includes $7,500 catch-up contribution. If you're 50+, you can contribute an extra $7,500 per year to accelerate your retirement savings.
Total Annual Limit (Including Employer Match)
The combined limit for employee + employer contributions is $70,000 for 2026 (or $77,500 if 50+). This includes your contributions, employer match, and any profit-sharing contributions.
Employer Match Explained
Common Matching Formulas
50% match up to 6%
Most CommonFor every $1 you contribute (up to 6% of salary), employer adds $0.50
Example: $80,000 salary, 6% contribution ($4,800) = $2,400 employer match
100% match up to 3%
Dollar-for-dollar match on your first 3% of salary
Example: $80,000 salary, 3% contribution ($2,400) = $2,400 employer match
100% match up to 4%, plus 50% of next 2%
Tiered matching with better match on initial contributions
Example: $80,000 salary, 6% contribution = $4,000 employer match
Always Get the Full Match!
Not contributing enough to get your full employer match? You're leaving free money on the table. An employer match is essentially a 50-100% instant return on your investment - you won't find that anywhere else. Make this your first priority before investing elsewhere.
Protect Your 401(k) Growth with Gold
Your 401(k) projections look great on paper, but what happens when the next market crash hits? In 2008, the average 401(k) lost 31% of its value. Many workers lost a decade of savings in months.
- Gold historically rises when stocks fall
- Physical gold has never gone to zero
- Protects purchasing power against inflation
A Gold IRA lets you diversify your retirement savings with physical precious metals. No high-pressure sales - just education about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
Financial experts recommend contributing at least enough to get your full employer match (free money!), then ideally 10-15% of your salary. For 2026, you can contribute up to $23,500 if under 50, or $31,000 if 50 or older with catch-up contributions.
What is a good 401(k) balance by age?
A common rule of thumb is: By 30, have 1x your salary saved. By 40, have 3x. By 50, have 6x. By 60, have 8x. By 67, have 10x your salary. However, these are guidelines - your target depends on your retirement lifestyle goals and other income sources.
How does employer 401(k) matching work?
Employer matching is when your company contributes to your 401(k) based on your contributions. A common match is 50% of your contribution up to 6% of salary. So if you make $100,000 and contribute 6% ($6,000), your employer adds $3,000. This is essentially free money - always contribute enough to get the full match.
What is the 4% rule for retirement?
The 4% rule suggests you can withdraw 4% of your retirement portfolio in your first year of retirement, then adjust for inflation each year, and your money should last at least 30 years. With a $1 million 401(k), that's $40,000 per year or about $3,333 per month.
Should I diversify my 401(k) with gold?
While traditional 401(k)s typically can't hold physical gold, many investors roll over a portion to a Gold IRA for diversification. Gold has historically acted as a hedge against inflation and market volatility. Experts often recommend allocating 5-15% of retirement savings to precious metals for portfolio protection.
Ready to Protect Your Retirement Savings?
After decades of building your 401(k), don't let the next market crash wipe out your progress. Learn how a Gold IRA can protect and diversify your retirement portfolio.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Actual results will vary based on market performance, fees, and individual circumstances. Investment returns are not guaranteed and past performance does not predict future results. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.