401(k) Retirement Calculator
Plan Savings, Compound Growth & Employer Match
Estimated Balance at Age 65
$2,417,103.41
Over 35 Years of Compounding
Your Contributions:
$411,142.16
Employer Match:
$154,178.31
Investment Growth / Interest:
$1,826,782.94
The Magic of the 401(k) Employer Match
Financial advisors universally recommend contributing at least enough to capture 100% of your company's match. Doing so represents an immediate, risk-free 50% to 100% guaranteed return on your investment before compounding even begins!
Frequently Asked Questions
An employer match is free money offered by your company. For example, a "50% match up to 6%" means if you contribute 6% of your salary, your employer will add an extra 3% (50% of 6%) on your behalf.
For 2025/2026, the IRS elective deferral limit for individuals is $23,500 per year. Employees aged 50 and over can make an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 (total $31,000).
Historically, the S&P 500 has averaged around 10% annual gross returns (7-8% inflation-adjusted) over long 30-year horizons. A conservative planning figure is 6% to 8% per year.
Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax (lowering your current year taxable income), and withdrawals are taxed in retirement. Roth 401(k) contributions are post-tax, and all future retirement withdrawals are 100% tax-free.
IRS Verified Rules
Calculations align with US IRS Section 401(k) standard contribution and growth models.