401k Retirement Calculator
Calculate how much your 401k will be worth at retirement based on your current balance, contributions, and expected returns.
Breakdown
| Your contributions | $0 |
| Employer match | $0 |
| Investment growth | $0 |
| Total at retirement | $0 |
401k Growth Projection
Monthly Income in Retirement
Using the 4% withdrawal rule:
per month in retirement
Maximize Your 401k
- Always contribute enough to get the full employer match (free money!)
- 2026 contribution limit: $24,500 (under 50) or $32,500 (50+)
- Consider increasing contributions by 1% each year
- Review and rebalance your investments annually
RMD Calculator
Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution for 2026 using IRS tables.
Roth IRA Calculator
Check eligibility and calculate Roth IRA contributions with income limits.
Social Security Calculator
Estimate your monthly Social Security benefit at different claiming ages.
2026 401k Contribution Limits — What You Need to Know
For a complete guide to 2026 contribution limits, see our 401k Contribution Limits 2026 Guide.
| Age Group | Employee Limit | Catch-Up | Total Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 | $0 | $24,500 |
| 50-59 | $24,500 | $8,000 | $32,500 |
| 60-63 | $24,500 | $11,250 | $35,750 |
| 64+ | $24,500 | $8,000 | $32,500 |
Note: The super catch-up for ages 60-63 is a new provision under SECURE 2.0 Act.
How Employer Matching Works (Free Money Explained)
Employer matching is one of the most valuable benefits in retirement planning. Here's how it works:
Common Match Formula: 50% up to 6%
Example: You earn $80,000/year and contribute 6% ($4,800)
Your employer contributes: 50% × $4,800 = $2,400 free money
Total annual contribution: $7,200
That's a 50% instant return on your money!
Golden Rule: Always contribute at least enough to get the full employer match. It's the easiest money you'll ever make.
Traditional 401k vs Roth 401k — Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Traditional 401k | Roth 401k |
|---|---|---|
| Contributions | Pre-tax (reduces current taxable income) | After-tax (no current tax benefit) |
| Tax Benefit | Now (lower taxes today) | Later (tax-free in retirement) |
| Withdrawals | Taxed as ordinary income | Tax-free (if qualified) |
| RMDs Required | Yes, starting at age 73 | No (as of 2024, SECURE 2.0) |
| Best For | Higher earners expecting lower tax rate in retirement | Younger workers or those expecting higher tax rate in retirement |
Pro Tip: You can split contributions between Traditional and Roth to diversify your tax strategy.
How Much Should You Contribute to Your 401k?
- Minimum: Contribute enough to get full employer match (typically 3-6% of salary)
- Good: 10-15% of your gross salary including employer match
- Excellent: Max out the IRS limit ($24,500 or more with catch-up)
- Rule of thumb: Start with 10% and increase by 1% each year
Fidelity's Age-Based Benchmarks
- Age 30: 1× your annual salary saved
- Age 40: 3× your annual salary
- Age 50: 6× your annual salary
- Age 60: 8× your annual salary
- Age 67: 10× your annual salary
The Impact of Fees on Your 401k Balance
Investment fees can dramatically reduce your retirement savings over time. Here's a real example:
Scenario: $100,000 balance, $10,000 annual contributions, 7% return, 30 years
With 0.1% fee: Final balance = $1,427,000
With 1.0% fee: Final balance = $1,197,000
Difference: $230,000 lost to fees!
Action: Choose low-cost index funds (0.03-0.20% fees) over actively managed funds (0.5-1.5% fees).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 401k contribution limit for 2026?
$24,500 for those under 50. $32,500 for those 50-59 and 64+. $35,750 for those aged 60-63 (super catch-up under SECURE 2.0).
How much should I have in my 401k at 40?
General guideline: 3× your annual salary by age 40. At 50: 6×. At 60: 8×. These are Fidelity benchmarks.
What is a good 401k employer match?
The most common match is 50% of contributions up to 6% of salary = effectively 3% free money. Always contribute enough to get the full match — it's a 50-100% instant return on your money.
Can I contribute to both a 401k and an IRA in 2026?
Yes. The limits are separate. You can contribute $24,500 to a 401k AND $7,500 to an IRA in the same year.
What happens to my 401k if I change jobs?
Options: leave it with old employer, roll over to new employer's plan, roll over to an IRA, or cash out (not recommended — triggers taxes and 10% penalty if under 59½).
What is the 401k early withdrawal penalty?
10% penalty plus ordinary income tax on the full amount withdrawn. At a 22% tax rate, you lose 32% immediately. Use our Early Withdrawal Calculator for your exact cost.
How does the 401k catch-up contribution work for ages 60-63?
Under SECURE 2.0, those aged 60, 61, 62, or 63 can contribute an extra $11,250 in 2026 (instead of the standard $8,000 catch-up), bringing their total to $35,750.
What is the average 401k balance by age?
Vanguard 2025 data: Age 25-34: $37,557. Age 35-44: $91,281. Age 45-54: $168,646. Age 55-64: $244,750. Age 65+: $272,588.