401K Calculator

A 401k calculator is a free online tool that projects the future value of your employer-sponsored retirement savings account using compound growth formulas. It factors in your current balance, monthly contributions, employer match, expected rate of return, and years until retirement to estimate your nest egg at retirement age.

The calculator uses the IRS 2026 contribution limits (projected at $24,000 base with $8,000 catch-up for ages 50-59/64+ and $12,000 for ages 60-63 under SECURE 2.0) and applies standard compound interest formulas. Projections are estimates — actual returns vary based on market performance, fees, and investment choices.

You need your current 401k balance, monthly or annual contribution amount, employer match percentage and formula, expected annual rate of return (typically 6-10%), years until retirement, current age, and desired retirement age. Optional inputs include salary growth rate and inflation adjustment.

Enter your current age, retirement age, current balance, monthly contribution, employer match details, and expected return rate. The calculator compounds your balance monthly or annually, adding contributions and employer match each period, to project your total balance at retirement.

Yes. The calculator generates a detailed table showing your projected balance at the end of each year, including annual contributions, employer match, investment returns, and cumulative growth. This helps you visualize how compound interest accelerates growth in later years.

Enter your salary, contribution percentage, and your employer's match formula (e.g., 50% up to 6%). The calculator determines your contribution amount, calculates the employer match based on the formula, and adds both to your account each pay period, compounding the total over time.

For 2026, the IRS projects employee elective deferral limits at $24,000 (adjusted for inflation). Catch-up contributions: $8,000 for ages 50-59 and 64+, $12,000 for ages 60-63 under SECURE 2.0. Total limit including employer contributions: approximately $73,000.

The calculator automatically applies the enhanced SECURE 2.0 catch-up contribution of $12,000 for ages 60-63 (compared to $8,000 for other ages 50+). This additional $4,000 per year can add $50,000-$100,000 to your retirement balance over those four years.

Yes. Enter your projected retirement balance and the calculator converts it to monthly income using the 4% withdrawal rule. A $1.2 million balance yields approximately $4,000/month ($48,000/year) in sustainable retirement income over 30 years.

The 4% rule states you can withdraw 4% of your portfolio in year one of retirement, then adjust for inflation annually, with a high probability of sustaining your portfolio for 30+ years. The calculator applies this to your projected balance to show sustainable annual and monthly income.

Inflation adjustment shows your future balance in today's purchasing power. At 2.5% annual inflation, $1 million in 30 years has the buying power of approximately $476,000 today. The calculator displays both nominal and inflation-adjusted values to give realistic expectations.

Enter your expected annual salary growth rate (typically 2-4%). The calculator increases your contribution amount proportionally as salary grows, since most workers contribute a percentage of salary. This compounding contribution boost can add tens of thousands over a career.

Yes. Enter your fund's expense ratio (e.g., 0.05% for index funds vs 1.0% for actively managed funds). The calculator deducts fees annually from your returns. Over 30 years, a 0.5% fee difference on a $500,000 balance costs approximately $75,000 in lost growth.

Enter your loan amount, interest rate (prime + 1-2%), and repayment term. The calculator shows total interest paid, the opportunity cost of reduced investment growth during the loan period, and the net cost compared to keeping the money invested.

This tool shows how changing your contribution percentage affects your take-home pay. Contributing 6% of an $80,000 salary ($4,800/year) reduces take-home by approximately $3,744 after accounting for tax savings in the 22% bracket — not dollar-for-dollar.

Run two scenarios with the same contribution amount: one showing traditional (pre-tax) growth and one showing Roth (after-tax) growth. The calculator displays the tax impact at contribution and at withdrawal, helping you decide based on whether you expect higher or lower taxes in retirement.

Yes. Enter your current tax bracket and expected retirement tax bracket. If you expect higher taxes in retirement, Roth contributions save more long-term. If you expect lower taxes, traditional contributions provide greater immediate tax savings. The calculator shows the break-even point.

Select your plan's vesting schedule (cliff or graded). The calculator shows your vested balance growing as employer contributions vest. With cliff vesting (100% after 3 years), employer match is $0 vested until year 3, then jumps to 100%. Graded vesting adds 20% per year.

Yes. Solo 401k allows dual contributions: employee deferrals up to $24,000 (2026) plus employer profit-sharing contributions up to 20% of net self-employment income, totaling up to $73,000. The calculator models both contribution types separately.

Enter your net self-employment income and your spouse's if they work in the business. The calculator computes employee deferrals ($24,000 each) plus employer contributions (20% of net SE income for sole proprietors, 25% of compensation for corporations), showing combined maximum contributions.

A 401k calculator models employee elective deferrals with employer match. A 401a calculator models employer-funded plans where only the employer contributes (common for government and nonprofit employees). The contribution limits and tax treatment differ between the two plan types.

Enter your age and account balance. The calculator applies the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table to determine your RMD factor, then divides your prior-year-end balance by that factor. At age 73 with $500,000, the RMD factor is 26.5, yielding an RMD of approximately $18,868.

Yes. Enter your expected retirement income and tax bracket. The calculator applies your marginal tax rate to traditional 401k withdrawals. A $60,000 annual withdrawal in the 22% bracket results in approximately $13,200 in federal taxes, leaving $46,800 after-tax income.

The calculator applies SECURE 2.0's enhanced catch-up: $12,000 for ages 60-63 (vs $8,000 for ages 50-59/64+). This $4,000 annual increase over four years can add $50,000-$100,000 to your retirement balance, depending on your return rate and remaining years to retirement.

Yes. Run conservative (5%), moderate (7%), and aggressive (10%) return scenarios. The calculator shows how each affects your projected balance. A $500/month contribution grows to $456,000 at 5%, $608,000 at 7%, and $830,000 at 10% over 30 years.

Enter a lower expected return (e.g., 5% instead of 7%) to model below-average years. The calculator also shows the impact of stopping contributions during downturns — missing just 2-3 years of contributions during a market bottom can cost $100,000+ at retirement.

The burn rate shows how quickly you spend down your portfolio. A 3% burn rate ($36,000/year from $1.2 million) is sustainable for 40+ years. A 5% burn rate ($60,000/year) may deplete funds in 25-30 years. The calculator models various withdrawal rates against life expectancy.

Enter your retirement balance, annual withdrawal amount, expected investment return during retirement (typically 4-6%), and inflation rate. The calculator projects year-by-year balance depletion and shows when your funds run out at different withdrawal rates.

Yes. Compare retiring at 65 vs 70. The calculator shows additional years of contributions, employer match, and compound growth. Five extra years of $20,000 annual contributions at 7% return adds approximately $140,000 to your balance, plus continued employer match.

Enter your employer's profit-sharing percentage (e.g., 5% of salary). The calculator adds this to your employee contributions and compounds the total. Profit-sharing is discretionary and varies annually, so the calculator uses your entered percentage as a consistent estimate.

Yes. Enter your employee deferral percentage and your employer's match formula separately. The calculator computes both amounts, adds them to your balance each period, and shows the total annual contribution including both sources.

Multiply your annual contribution by your marginal tax rate. On $24,000 contribution in the 24% bracket, you save $5,760 in federal taxes. The calculator shows this savings year by year, and how it compounds when reinvested or spent.

The calculator runs scenarios at different deferral percentages (6%, 10%, 15%, max) and shows the projected balance for each. Financial experts recommend 15% total retirement savings including employer match. The calculator identifies the percentage that meets your retirement income goal.

Yes. Enter your current and expected retirement tax brackets. The calculator shows at what account balance and time horizon Roth becomes more advantageous. For most workers, Roth wins if retirement tax rate is 2%+ higher than current rate; traditional wins if lower.

The calculator compares your projected balance against Fidelity and Vanguard age-based benchmarks. At 40, aim for 3x salary ($240,000 on $80,000 salary). At 50, aim for 6x ($480,000). At 60, aim for 8x ($640,000). The calculator flags if you're ahead or behind.

Enter your current balance, contributions, and retirement income goal. The calculator projects your balance at 65 and compares it to the 25x rule (25 times annual expenses). If projected balance exceeds your goal, you're on track. If not, it suggests contribution increases.

Enter your estimated Social Security benefit (from ssa.gov). The calculator combines your 401k withdrawal income with Social Security to show total retirement income. This helps determine how much 401k savings you need to bridge the gap between Social Security and your income goal.

Yes. Enter your expected monthly pension benefit. The calculator adds pension income to your 401k withdrawals and Social Security, showing total retirement income. This helps workers with both pensions and 401k plans understand their combined retirement security.

The calculator projects your 401k balance growth while maxing contributions ($24,000 + catch-up if eligible). It shows net worth impact including employer match, investment returns, and tax savings. Maxing from age 30 at 7% return yields approximately $2.4 million by 65.

Yes. Model different withdrawal sequences: draw from taxable accounts first to let 401k continue growing tax-deferred, or use 401k funds early to reduce estate size. The calculator shows how each strategy affects total wealth, tax burden, and inheritance.

Enter periods of unemployment or lower contributions. The calculator shows the long-term cost of contribution gaps. Missing 2 years of $20,000 contributions at age 35 costs approximately $150,000 at retirement due to lost compound growth. It also models employer match loss during unemployment.

Yes. Enter your rollover balance and the IRA's investment options. The calculator projects growth in the IRA, which typically has lower fees and more investment choices. Lower fees (0.05% vs 0.5%) can add $50,000+ over 30 years on a $200,000 balance.

Enter your balance and age. The calculator applies the 10% early withdrawal penalty (if under 59½) plus federal and state income taxes. A $50,000 cash-out at age 35 in the 22% bracket loses approximately $16,000 to taxes and penalties, leaving $34,000.

Yes. Enter your balance and the annuity provider's quote. The calculator compares the lump sum rolled to an IRA (growing tax-deferred) against guaranteed annuity payments. It shows the break-even age where the IRA balance exceeds the total annuity payments received.

Compare two scenarios: one with consistent contributions and one with a one-year gap. The calculator shows the lifelong cost of that gap. Missing one year of $20,000 contributions at age 35 costs approximately $150,000 at retirement due to lost compound growth over 30 years.

Yes. Enter your salary and desired contribution percentage. The calculator computes your dollar contribution, employer match, and projects the balance. Contributing 15% of $80,000 ($12,000/year) with 50% employer match up to 6% yields $16,800 total annual contributions.

The calculator shows your employer match as a percentage return on your contribution. A 50% match on 6% is equivalent to a 50% instant return on those contributions. Over 30 years, $3,000/year in employer match grows to approximately $300,000 at 7% return.

Yes. Enter 100% match up to 5%. On $80,000 salary, you contribute $4,000 and your employer adds $4,000 — doubling your contribution. The calculator shows this $8,000 annual contribution growing to approximately $830,000 over 30 years at 7% return.

The calculator displays employer match as a separate line item added each contribution period. It shows your contribution, employer match, investment returns, and total balance. The match column highlights how much "free money" you've accumulated over time.

Yes. Enter your salary and employer match formula. The calculator identifies the minimum contribution percentage that captures the full match. If your employer matches 50% up to 6%, contributing exactly 6% ($4,800 on $80K) gets you $2,400 in free money — a 50% instant return.

Enter your projected retirement balance and the calculator applies the 4% rule. A $1.2 million balance yields $48,000/year or $4,000/month. It also models different withdrawal rates (3%, 4%, 5%) to show sustainable income levels at each rate.

Yes. Enter your current balance and monthly contributions. At 7% return, $100,000 grows to $200,000 in 10 years with no additional contributions. With $500/month contributions, it reaches $290,000 — showing the power of consistent saving plus compound growth.

The calculator models plan loans (you pay interest to yourself, but miss investment growth during the loan) and hardship withdrawals (taxed + 10% penalty if under 59½). It shows the long-term cost of each: a $20,000 loan at age 35 costs approximately $150,000 in lost growth.

Yes. The calculator models distributions of earnings only, preserving your principal. However, traditional 401k withdrawals are pro-rata (portion of each withdrawal is contributions, portion is earnings). The calculator shows the tax implications of each withdrawal type.

Roth 401k has the same contribution limits as traditional 401k ($24,000 in 2026). The calculator models Roth contributions with after-tax dollars and projects tax-free growth and withdrawals. It compares this to traditional 401k tax-deferred growth to show which saves more long-term.

Yes. Model retiring before 59½ using the Rule of 55 (penalty-free from most recent employer's 401k), Roth conversion ladders, or 72(t) SEPP distributions. The calculator shows how each strategy accesses funds early while minimizing taxes and penalties.

Enter your current state tax rate and compare with 0% for no-income-tax states (FL, TX, NV, etc.). The calculator shows tax savings on withdrawals: $60,000 annual withdrawal saves $3,000-$4,200 in state taxes (5-7% rate) when moving to a no-tax state.

At 7% annual return with no additional contributions, $100,000 grows to approximately $387,000 in 20 years. With $500/month contributions, it reaches $674,000. The calculator shows how compound interest turns a six-figure balance into a substantial retirement fund.

The calculator automatically applies catch-up contributions when you enter age 50+. For 2026: ages 50-59/64+ get $8,000 extra ($32,000 total), ages 60-63 get $12,000 extra ($36,000 total). The calculator shows how catch-ups accelerate savings in the final decade before retirement.

Yes. Both have the same employee deferral limits ($24,000 in 2026). The calculator models contributions to both plans simultaneously, showing combined balance growth. The 403(b) may have fewer investment options but identical tax treatment to a 401(k).

Compare your current fund's expense ratio with an index fund (e.g., 0.50% vs 0.03%). The calculator shows fee savings compounding over time. On a $200,000 balance, switching from 0.50% to 0.03% fees saves approximately $30,000 over 30 years.

Yes. Enter two different expense ratios and the calculator shows the difference in projected balance. A 0.47% fee difference (0.50% vs 0.03%) on $200,000 growing at 7% for 30 years costs approximately $30,000 in lost compound growth.

The calculator models fee drag by deducting expenses annually from returns. A 1% fee on $200,000 at 7% return costs approximately $150,000 over 30 years. A 0.1% fee costs only $15,000. The calculator shows how seemingly small fee differences compound dramatically.

Yes. On a $200,000 balance growing at 7% for 30 years: 1% fees leave $1,130,000; 2% fees leave $814,000. The difference is $316,000 — demonstrating why low-cost index funds are recommended for 401(k) investors.

Enter different stock/bond allocations (80/20, 60/40, 40/60) with corresponding return rates. The calculator shows how more aggressive allocations (higher stock percentage) yield higher long-term returns but with more volatility. Most advisors recommend 80-90% stocks when young.

Yes. The calculator models a target-date fund's automatic shift from aggressive (90% stocks at age 25) to conservative (50% stocks at retirement). It shows how the glide path reduces risk as you age while maintaining growth potential during your working years.

The calculator assumes dividends are reinvested (standard for 401k index funds). At 2% dividend yield on a $200,000 balance, reinvested dividends add $4,000/year in additional shares. Over 30 years, dividend reinvestment contributes approximately 30-40% of total returns.

Tax loss harvesting applies to taxable accounts, not 401(k)s (which are already tax-advantaged). However, the calculator can model the combined effect: harvest losses in taxable accounts while maximizing 401(k) contributions for optimal tax efficiency across all accounts.

Enter your retirement balance and the calculator tests withdrawal rates from 3% to 5%. The 4% rule ($48,000/year from $1.2 million) has a high success rate over 30 years. The calculator shows the probability of success for each rate based on historical market returns.

Enter your retirement income goal and the calculator works backward. To reach $1.5 million by 65 starting at 30, you need approximately $1,100/month in contributions (including employer match) at 7% return. The calculator adjusts for your current balance and time horizon.

Enter your current age (40-50), balance, and years to retirement. The calculator shows catch-up contribution benefits, projects remaining growth, and identifies the contribution rate needed to meet your goal. It also models the impact of increasing contributions with salary raises.

Yes. Model 401(k) contributions alongside 529 plan contributions. The calculator shows how diverting funds to college savings affects your retirement balance. Financial advisors recommend prioritizing retirement savings (you can borrow for college but not for retirement).

The calculator models different contribution rates while building an emergency fund. It shows that contributing at least enough to capture the full employer match (free money) while building a 3-6 month emergency fund is optimal. Missing the match costs more than the emergency fund earns.

Yes. Model periods with 0% employer match. Missing 5 years of $3,000 annual match at age 35 costs approximately $47,000 at retirement. The calculator highlights why capturing the full match should be your first priority before any other savings.

Enter your starting salary and age. The calculator shows how starting early — even with small contributions — builds substantial wealth through compound growth. Contributing 6% of $50,000 salary from age 25 grows to approximately $1.2 million by 65 at 7% return.

Yes. On $80,000 salary: 3% ($2,400/year) with 50% match up to 6% gets $1,200 match = $3,600/year total. 6% ($4,800) gets $2,400 match = $7,200/year total. Over 30 years at 7%, the difference is approximately $360,000 — doubling your retirement balance.

Enter your starting salary, expected annual raises (2-4%), and increasing contribution percentage. The calculator compounds higher contributions as salary grows. A career from $50,000 to $120,000 with 3% annual raises and 15% contribution yields approximately $2.8 million by 65.

Yes. At 7% annual return: $10,000 becomes $76,100 in 30 years. $500/month contributions grow to $610,000. The calculator shows year-by-year growth, demonstrating how compound interest generates over 75% of your final balance from investment returns, not contributions.

Enter your current annual spending and expected retirement years. The calculator adjusts for 2-3% annual inflation. $60,000 current spending becomes $108,000 in 20 years. Your 401(k) must generate enough income to cover these inflated expenses for 25-30 years.

Yes. Enter estimated annual healthcare costs ($6,000-$10,000 per couple). The calculator shows how these costs impact your withdrawal rate and portfolio longevity. Healthcare costs rise faster than general inflation, so the calculator adjusts for medical inflation at 5-6%.

Enter long-term care insurance premiums or expected out-of-pocket costs ($200-$300/day for nursing home). The calculator models how these expenses reduce your 401(k) balance and shows whether self-insuring or purchasing long-term care insurance is more cost-effective.

Yes. Enter age 55 as retirement age. The calculator shows the higher monthly contributions needed (approximately 2x more than retiring at 65) and models early withdrawal strategies (Rule of 55, 72(t) SEPP, Roth conversion ladder) to access funds before 59½.

Model converting traditional 401(k) to Roth IRA in low-income years, paying taxes now for tax-free withdrawals later. The calculator shows the tax cost of conversions, the 5-year waiting period for each conversion, and how the ladder provides penalty-free income before 59½.

Yes. Enter the conversion amount and your tax bracket. The calculator shows the tax cost (e.g., converting $50,000 in the 22% bracket costs $11,000 in taxes) and projects the long-term benefit of tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement.

Enter your age and account balance. The calculator applies the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table RMD factors. At age 73, factor is 26.5; at 75, factor is 24.6; at 80, factor is 20.2. Divide prior-year balance by the factor to get your required withdrawal amount.

Yes. Enter different retirement ages for each spouse. The calculator models staggered withdrawals, showing how one spouse's 401(k) withdrawals affect the household's tax bracket while the other's continues growing tax-deferred.

Non-spouse beneficiaries must withdraw inherited 401(k) funds within 10 years under SECURE Act rules. The calculator models the tax impact of these forced withdrawals and shows strategies to minimize the tax burden, such as converting to Roth before inheritance.

Yes. Enter your total estate value. The calculator shows whether your 401(k) balance pushes your estate above the federal estate tax exemption ($13.61 million in 2025). It models strategies like charitable distributions, gifting, or life insurance to offset estate taxes.

Model qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) from your 401(k) after age 70½. The calculator shows how QCDs satisfy RMDs without increasing taxable income, making them more tax-efficient than cash charitable giving from other sources.

Yes. Enter the QCD amount (up to $105,000 in 2024, indexed for inflation). The calculator shows how QCDs satisfy RMDs while excluding the amount from taxable income. On a $50,000 QCD in the 22% bracket, this saves $11,000 in taxes compared to taking the RMD and donating cash.

Enter your current marginal tax rate. The calculator shows the tax savings per dollar contributed: 24% bracket saves $0.24 per dollar; 32% bracket saves $0.32. It identifies the contribution level that maximizes tax savings while meeting your retirement income goal.

Yes. Compare a taxable account vs 401(k) with the same contributions. The calculator shows tax-deferred growth advantage: $500/month at 7% for 30 years yields $610,000 in a 401(k) vs approximately $470,000 in a taxable account (after annual taxes on dividends and gains).

Enter your pension lump sum offer and annual pension payment. The calculator computes the break-even age: if the lump sum grows faster than pension payments accumulate, taking the lump sum is better. For most retirees, the lump sum invested at 5-6% breaks even around age 80-85.

Yes. Compare claiming Social Security at 62, 67, or 70 while drawing from 401(k). The calculator shows how delaying Social Security (8% per year from 62 to 70) while using 401(k) funds can increase lifetime income by $100,000+ for higher-earning spouses.

Model 401(k) withdrawals from retirement age to 65 (Medicare eligibility). The calculator shows the cost of private health insurance ($600-$1,500/month) and how it impacts your withdrawal rate and portfolio longevity during the pre-Medicare gap years.

Yes. Enter estimated monthly health insurance premiums ($600-$1,500). The calculator adds these to your retirement expenses and models the impact on your withdrawal rate. It shows whether your 401(k) can sustain both living expenses and health insurance costs for 30 years.

The calculator applies the IRS inflation adjustment to contribution limits. For 2026, the projected base limit is $24,000 (up from $23,500 in 2025). Catch-up contributions also adjust: $8,000 for ages 50-59/64+ and $12,000 for ages 60-63.

Yes. Enter part-time income during early retirement. The calculator shows how earned income affects Social Security benefits (if under full retirement age and earnings exceed $22,320 in 2024, $1 in benefits is withheld for every $2 earned). It also models reduced 401(k) withdrawals during working years.

Enter your retirement balance, annual withdrawal, and expected return. The calculator projects year-by-year balance depletion and shows when funds run out at different withdrawal rates. A $1.2 million balance at 4% withdrawal ($48,000/year) lasts 35+ years at 5% return.

The calculator provides estimates based on standard formulas and historical averages. A financial advisor offers personalized advice considering your full financial picture, tax situation, estate planning, and risk tolerance. Use the calculator for projections, then consult an advisor for comprehensive planning.

No. This 401K Calculator is designed for educational and planning purposes only. It is not financial advice. Always consult with a certified financial planner, CPA, or bank advisor before making decisions regarding 401k calculator.

The calculator uses standard financial formulas. While the math is accurate, real-world institutions may apply different fees, rounding methods, or calculation approaches. Use results as estimates, not guarantees.

Yes. Your financial figures are never saved, transmitted, or logged. The calculator runs entirely in your browser with no server-side data storage.