401(k) Calculator

Calculate how much your 401(k) will grow by retirement. Enter your current balance, contribution, employer match, and expected return rate.

A 401(k) is the most powerful wealth-building tool for most Americans, thanks to tax-deferred growth and employer matching. Even modest contributions compound dramatically over 30–40 years.

2024 contribution limits

  • Employee contribution: up to $23,000/year ($30,500 if age 50+)
  • Total contribution limit (employee + employer): $69,000/year
  • Traditional 401(k): contributions reduce taxable income now; taxed on withdrawal
  • Roth 401(k): contributions after-tax; qualified withdrawals tax-free

The employer match — free money

The most common match is 50–100% of contributions up to 6% of salary. Always contribute at least enough to capture the full match — this is an instant 50–100% return on those dollars before any market gains.

The power of compounding

Contributing $500/month for 30 years at 7% average annual return grows to approximately $567,000. Contributing $1,000/month under the same conditions yields ~$1.13 million. Starting 10 years earlier nearly doubles the outcome.

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