How this calculator works
Each year you contribute a percentage of salary, capped at the 2026 limit of $24,500 plus catch-up contributions from age 50. Your employer matches a share of what you put in, up to a percentage of salary. The balance grows at your expected return and your salary rises with your raise.
Worked example
With the example values below: Balance at 67, $2,465,064 ($168,744 of contributions came from your employer). Change any number above to run your own.
What you enter
| Input | Example |
|---|---|
| Current age | 30 |
| Retirement age | 67 |
| Annual salary | $85,000 |
| Your contribution | 8% |
| Employer match% of your contribution matched | 50% |
| Match up to% of salary | 6% |
| Current balance | $25,000 |
| Annual raise | 3% |
| Annual return | 7% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
You can contribute up to $24,500 of your salary in 2026. From age 50 you can add an $8,000 catch-up contribution, and at ages 60 to 63 the catch-up rises to $11,250. Employer matching doesn't count toward your own limit.
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At minimum, enough to get your employer's full match, since that's an instant return on your money. Many planners suggest saving 10% to 15% of your pay for retirement in total, counting the match.
When can you withdraw from a 401(k) without a penalty?
From age 59½. If you leave your employer in or after the year you turn 55, you can usually take withdrawals from that employer's plan without the 10% penalty. Withdrawals from a traditional 401(k) are still taxed as income either way.
How does a 401(k) work?
Contributions come out of your paycheck before tax (traditional) or after tax (Roth), are invested in the funds you choose, and grow tax-deferred. Many employers add a match. Traditional balances are taxed when you withdraw them in retirement; qualified Roth withdrawals are tax-free.
Grow what this calculator projects.
TruthSayer AI sends quantitative stock signals across valuations, earnings and dark-pool activity, each one traded in its own funded account first.
Estimates for planning only, not financial, tax or legal advice. Tax tools use 2026 federal figures (brackets, $16,100 / $32,200 standard deduction, $19,000 gift exclusion, $15M lifetime exemption). Rates shown as defaults are examples; replace them with quotes you actually receive.