For 2026 the 401(k) deferral limit is $24,500; workers 50+ can add $8,000 and those aged 60–63 $11,250. Always contribute at least enough to get the full employer match. Withdrawals from a traditional 401(k) are taxed as income; Roth 401(k) withdrawals are tax-free if qualified.
How to use the 401(k) Calculator
- Annual salary
- Your contribution
- Employer match
- Employer match limit (% of salary)
- Current age
- Retirement age
- Current 401(k) balance
- Annual salary increase
- Expected return before retirement
- Years in retirement
- Expected return in retirement
- Income tax rate in retirement
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter your salary, contribution rate, employer match and limit, your age and retirement age, current balance, salary increase, expected returns, years in retirement and tax rate in retirement.
Tips
- Start early – time does more of the work than the amount you save.
- Take the full employer match if your plan offers one.
- Plan with a cautious return (4–6% after inflation) and check again every year.
- Know the contribution limits and required minimum distribution rules for your accounts.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring inflation when setting a retirement target.
- Underestimating how long retirement can last.
- Withdrawing early and paying penalties and taxes.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Annual salary | Amount in your currency |
| Your contribution | In % |
| Employer match | In % |
| Employer match limit (% of salary) | In % |
| Current age | A number |
| Retirement age | A number |
| Current 401(k) balance | Amount in your currency |
| Annual salary increase | In % |
| Expected return before retirement | In % |
| Years in retirement | A number |
| Expected return in retirement | In % |
| Income tax rate in retirement | In % |
What each result means
- Years to retirement = max([Retirement age] – [Current age], 0)
- Your contribution this year = min([Annual salary]×[Your contribution]÷100, [2026 limit for your age])
- Employer match this year = [Annual salary]×min([Your contribution], [Employer match limit (% of salary)])÷100×[Employer match]÷100
- Total monthly contribution = ([Your contribution this year] + [Employer match this year])÷12
- Balance at retirement = [Current 401(k) balance]×(1 + [Expected return before retirement]÷100)^[Years to retirement] + gfv([Expected return before retirement]÷100, [Years to retirement], [Your contribution this year] + [Employer match this year], [Annual salary increase]÷100, 0)
- Monthly withdrawal (before tax) = pmt([Expected return in retirement]÷1200, [Years in retirement]×12, [Balance at retirement])
- Monthly withdrawal after tax = [Monthly withdrawal (before tax)]×(1 – [Income tax rate in retirement]÷100)
Example values
How the main result changes when Annual salary changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Annual salary | Balance at retirement |
|---|---|
| 37,500 | 1,184,098.96 |
| 56,250 | 1,558,266.67 |
| 75,000 | 1,932,434.38 |
| 93,750 | 2,306,602.08 |
| 112,500 | 2,680,769.79 |
| 150,000 | 3,429,105.21 |
Formula
Your contribution = min(salary × contribution %, IRS limit)Employer match = salary × min(contribution %, match limit %) × match %Balance at retirement = balance × (1 + r)^n + growing annuity of contributionsMonthly withdrawal = pmt(payout return ÷ 12, retirement years × 12, balance)Worked example
Inputs — Annual salary: $75,000; Your contribution: 10 %; Employer match: 50 %; Employer match limit (% of salary): 6 %; Current age: 35; Retirement age: 67; Current 401(k) balance: $50,000; Annual salary increase: 3 %; Expected return before retirement: 7 %; Years in retirement: 25; Expected return in retirement: 5 %; Income tax rate in retirement: 15 %.
Results — Years to retirement = 32; 2026 limit for your age = $24,500.00; Your contribution this year = $7,500.00; Employer match this year = $2,250.00; Total monthly contribution = $812.50; Balance at retirement = $1,932,434.38; Monthly withdrawal (before tax) = $11,296.82; Monthly withdrawal after tax = $9,602.30; Total contributions (yours + employer) = $511,901.90.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At least enough for the full match; 10–15% of salary is a common target.
What is the 401(k) limit for 2026?
$24,500, plus $8,000 catch-up at 50+ or $11,250 at ages 60–63.
When can I withdraw without penalty?
From age 59½, or 55 if you leave your employer that year.
What formula does the 401(k) Calculator use?
Your contribution = min(salary × contribution %, IRS limit).