Model your 401(k) growth with 2026 IRS contribution limits, employer match, and projected balance at retirement. Includes catch-up contributions for age 50+.
The 401(k) Calculator projects your retirement account balance based on your salary, contribution percentage, employer match, and expected investment returns — while automatically respecting 2026 IRS contribution limits and catch-up rules for older savers.
It separates your contributions from your employer's match so you can see exactly how much 'free money' you're capturing, and it flags when you're maxing out the annual limit. Adjust your contribution rate, match formula, or retirement age to see how each change shifts your projected balance and monthly retirement income.
FV = PV(1+r)^n + PMT × [((1+r)^n − 1) / r]Your 401(k) balance grows from two combined contribution streams — your own paycheck deferrals plus your employer's matching contributions — both compounding monthly alongside your existing balance.
Example 1: $90,000 salary, 10% contribution, 100% match up to 3%
Employee contributes $9,000/year (10% of $90,000); employer matches 100% of the first 3% ($2,700/year). Current balance $35,000, age 32 to 65, 7% return.
Projected balance at 65 ≈ $1,680,000, including roughly $89,000 in 'free' employer contributions over the working years.
Example 2: Maxing out the 2026 limit at age 52
A 52-year-old earning $180,000 contributes the full 2026 employee limit of $24,000, plus the age-50+ catch-up, for $31,500 total, with a 50% match up to 6% of salary.
Total annual contribution including match ≈ $37,200. Over 13 years to age 65 at 7% return, the balance grows by roughly $760,000 from this point forward.
Example 3: Leaving match money on the table
A 30-year-old earning $70,000 contributes only 2% ($1,400/year) when the employer matches 100% up to 4% ($2,800/year) — missing $1,400/year in free match.
Bumping the contribution from 2% to 4% costs the employee an extra $1,400/year but adds another $1,400/year in match — over 35 years at 7%, that's roughly $290,000 in lost retirement savings if left unclaimed.
Methodology
FV = PV·(1+r)^n + PMT·[(1+r)^n−1]/r. Employee capped at 2026 IRS limit ($24,000+catch-up). Employer match applied monthly.
Employee limit: $23,500. Catch-up (age 50–59 and 64+): $7,500 extra, total $31,000. Super catch-up (age 60–63): $11,250 extra per SECURE 2.0. Total cap including employer: $70,000.
A 100% match on the first 3% means if you earn $100K and contribute 3% ($3,000), your employer adds $3,000. Always contribute enough to capture the full match — it's a 100% instant return.
Disclaimer: Calculations are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial advice. Please consult with a certified professional before making financial decisions.