401(k) Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance with employer match and compound growth
Retirement Balance
—
Related Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
Always get the full employer match first — it is a 50-100% instant return
If your employer matches 100% up to 5% of salary, contribute at least 5%. That is a guaranteed 100% return on that money before any investment gains. No investment can reliably beat free money.
What is the 2025 401(k) contribution limit?
$23,500 for employees under 50. If you are 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution for a total of $31,000. Employer contributions do not count toward your personal limit.
What happens to my 401(k) if I leave my job?
You have several options: leave it in the old plan, roll it over to your new employer plan, roll it over to an IRA (often best for investment flexibility), or cash it out (not recommended — 10% penalty + income taxes if under 59.5).
Roth 401(k) vs traditional 401(k): which is better?
Traditional: pre-tax contributions now, pay taxes in retirement. Roth: after-tax now, tax-free in retirement. If you expect higher taxes in retirement, Roth wins. Many financial advisors suggest contributing to both for tax diversification.
What investment funds should I choose in my 401(k)?
For most people: low-cost index funds (S&P 500 or total market). Target-date funds are simple one-decision options — pick your retirement year and the fund automatically adjusts allocation. Avoid high-fee actively managed funds (expense ratio above 0.5%).
$75k Salary — Balance Projections
| Contrib % | At 20 yrs | At 30 yrs |
|---|---|---|
| 5% + 5% match | $211k | $521k |
| 10% + 5% match | $316k | $781k |
| 15% + 5% match | $422k | $1.04M |
| Max ($23,500) | $640k | $1.58M |
Assumes 7% annual return, starting from $0