401(k) Retirement Calculator

Plan your retirement savings and see how your 401(k) could grow over time.

Enter your current retirement savings details.

Your personal contribution (not including employer match)
Employer contribution percentage
Maximum % of salary employer will match
Historical average: 7–10%
Long-term average: ~3%

Why Retirement Planning Matters

A 401(k) retirement plan is one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth. This calculator helps you understand how consistent contributions, employer matching, and compound growth can significantly impact your retirement savings over time.

How to Use This Calculator

  • Current Age & Retirement Age: Determines your investment time horizon
  • Current Savings: Your existing 401(k) balance
  • Annual Contribution: Your yearly contribution (not including employer match)
  • Employer Match: Your employer's matching contribution percentage
  • Match Limit: Maximum percentage of your salary your employer will match
  • Annual Return: Expected average annual investment return (7–10% is typical for stocks)
  • Inflation Rate: Expected long-term inflation rate (~3% historical average)

Key Retirement Concepts

Compound Growth

Your money grows exponentially as earnings generate their own earnings over time.

Employer Matching

Free money from your employer — always contribute enough to get the full match.

Tax Advantages

Traditional 401(k): tax-deferred growth. Roth 401(k): tax-free withdrawals.

Inflation Impact

Your money loses purchasing power over time — investments should outpace inflation.

Formula Used

FV = (P × (1+r)ⁿ) + [C × ((1+r)ⁿ - 1)/r]

Where:

  • P = current savings
  • C = annual contribution
  • r = annual return rate
  • n = years until retirement

Contribution Benchmarks

Age GroupRecommended Savings
30 years old1× annual salary saved
40 years old3× annual salary saved
50 years old6× annual salary saved
60 years old8× annual salary saved

Retirement Savings Tips

  • Start early — Time is your greatest ally in compounding
  • Maximize employer match — It's essentially free money
  • Increase contributions annually — Aim for 15–20% of income
  • Diversify investments — Balance stocks and bonds appropriately
  • Review regularly — Adjust as your situation changes

Free Financial Planning Tools: Budget, Invest & Plan Retirement

Free Financial Planning Tools – Try Now

Explore All Calculators