401(k) calculator
401(k) calculator
Results
Total 401(k) Balance: $0
Real Balance (Adjusted for Inflation): $0
Free Online 401(k) Calculator — Estimate Your Retirement Savings Instantly
Use our 401(k) Calculator to estimate your retirement savings based on your current age, salary, contributions, and employer match. This online 401(k) calculator accounts for annual salary growth, investment returns, plan fees, and inflation to give you an accurate projection of your retirement balance.
How the 401(k) Calculator Works
Our calculator computes your projected 401(k) balance year by year until retirement using the following formulas:
- Annual Income Growth: Annual Income(n+1) = Annual Income(n) × (1 + 2%)
- User Contribution: Annual Contribution = Monthly Contribution × 12, limited by IRS annual limits
- Employer Match: Employer Contribution = min(Employer Match % × Annual Contribution, Employer Match Limit % × Annual Income)
- Total Balance Each Year: Balance(n+1) = (Balance(n) + User Contribution + Employer Contribution) × (1 + Estimated Return – Fees)
- Real Balance Adjusted for Inflation: Real Balance(n+1) = Balance(n+1) ÷ (1 + Inflation Rate)^(n+1)
How to Use the 401(k) Calculator
- Enter your current age and annual income.
- Provide your starting 401(k) balance and monthly contribution.
- Enter your employer match percentage and match limit.
- Set your retirement age, estimated annual return, total 401(k) fees, and expected inflation rate.
- Click Calculate to see your projected total and real 401(k) balance along with a year-by-year table.
Examples of 401(k) Calculations
Example 1: Age 30, salary $60,000, monthly contribution $500, employer match 50%, employer limit 6%, retirement age 67, 6% annual return, 0% fees, 2% inflation.
Result: Total 401(k) balance ~$1,250,000, Real balance ~$780,000.
Example 2: Age 40, salary $80,000, starting balance $50,000, monthly contribution $800, employer match 100%, employer limit 5%, retirement age 67, 7% annual return, 0.5% fees, 2% inflation.
Result: Total 401(k) balance ~$1,500,000, Real balance ~$950,000.
Why Use This Online 401(k) Calculator?
- 💰 Instant projection of retirement savings with user-friendly inputs.
- 📈 Includes employer match, IRS limits, investment return, and inflation.
- 📱 Fully mobile-friendly and works in any browser.
- 📝 Ideal for employees, financial planners, and anyone planning retirement.
FAQ — 401(k) Calculator
1. What is a 401(k)?
A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan sponsored by your employer that allows you to save and invest for retirement with tax advantages.
2. How do you calculate 401(k) projections?
We calculate 401(k) balances annually using your contributions, employer match, estimated annual return, and deducting fees. We also adjust for annual income growth and inflation to estimate real balance.
3. Does this calculator consider IRS contribution limits?
Yes, annual contributions are capped according to IRS 2025 limits: $23,500 under age 50, $31,000 over 50, and $34,750 for ages 60–63.
4. Can I include employer match?
Yes, the calculator allows you to enter the match percentage and employer match limit based on your salary.
5. Can I adjust for inflation?
Yes, the calculator shows both nominal and real balances, accounting for the annual inflation rate you provide (default 2%).
6. Is this 401(k) calculator free?
Absolutely. It is 100% free, works in your browser, and requires no registration or download.
