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401k Calculator

2026 limits · Employer match · Catch up · Roth vs Traditional

You & timeline
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Tax year 2026 limits: employee deferral $24,500 · catch up $8,000 (age 50+) · super catch up $11,250 (ages 60–63) · annual additions $72,000.

🏛️ Enter salary, deferral %, and match to project balance, limits, and Roth vs Traditional value.

How the 401k Calculator Works

This 401k calculator projects your account from today to retirement age. Each year it applies your salary deferral percent, computes employer match, compounds the balance at your expected return, then applies an optional salary raise for the next year. Employee deferrals are capped at the IRS limit for tax year 2026, including catch up amounts when you qualify by age.

Employer match formula

Match = MatchRate × min(YourDeferral%, MatchCap%) × Salary Example: 50% of the first 6% on $85,000 with an 8% deferral → 0.50 × 0.06 × 85,000 = $2,550

Worked example

Age 35, retire at 65, $45,000 balance, $85,000 salary, 8% deferral, 50% match on first 6%, 7% return, 3% raises:

Year 1 employee deferral = 0.08 × 85,000 = $6,800 Year 1 match = 0.50 × 0.06 × 85,000 = $2,550 Ending year 1 ≈ (45,000 + 6,800 + 2,550) × 1.07 ≈ $58,136 (annual model)

The calculator uses monthly compounding for growth while contributions are deposited monthly, which is closer to payroll deferrals than a single year end deposit.

2026 contribution limits

Limit2026 amount
Employee elective deferral (under 50)$24,500
Catch up age 50+$8,000 (total $32,500)
Super catch up ages 60–63$11,250 (total $35,750)
Annual additions (employee + employer)$72,000 before catch up
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Contribute at least enough to capture the full match before maximizing other accounts. Match is immediate return that market investing cannot guarantee.

Roth vs Traditional & FAQ

Traditional 401(k) deferrals lower taxable wages now. Qualified Traditional withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. Roth 401(k) deferrals do not reduce taxable wages now. Qualified Roth withdrawals, including growth, are tax free.

This calculator estimates after tax nest egg value: for Traditional it applies your retirement tax rate to the ending balance; for Roth it treats the ending balance as after tax. That is a simplification that ignores brackets, state tax, and Required Minimum Distributions.

What is the 401k contribution limit for 2026?
The IRS elective deferral limit is $24,500. Age 50 or older can add $8,000 catch up ($32,500 total). Ages 60 to 63 may use $11,250 catch up when the plan allows ($35,750 total). Annual additions under Section 415 are $72,000 before catch up.
How does a 401k employer match work?
Plans publish a formula such as 100% of the first 3% plus 50% of the next 2%, or a simple 50% of the first 6%. Enter your match rate and the salary percent cap above. The calculator stops matching once deferrals exceed the cap percent.
Should I choose Traditional or Roth 401k?
Compare your current marginal rate with the rate you expect in retirement. If you expect a higher future rate, Roth can win. If you expect a lower future rate, Traditional can win. Many households split contributions when uncertain.
What is a 401k catch up contribution?
Extra elective deferrals allowed once you reach age 50. For 2026 the standard catch up is $8,000. SECURE 2.0 allows $11,250 for ages 60 to 63 if the plan includes that feature. High earners may need Roth catch ups under 2026 rules.
Does employer match count toward the employee limit?
No. Your deferral limit is separate from employer money. Match and profit sharing count toward the annual additions limit. Catch up deferrals generally sit outside the base annual additions cap.

401k Planning Guide

A 401(k) contribution calculator helps you decide deferral percent, confirm you are not leaving match on the table, and estimate whether you will hit the IRS ceiling before year end. Payroll contributions are usually a percent of each paycheck, so raising the percent early in the year matters more than a December catch up deposit.

Common mistakes

  • Deferring less than the match formula requires
  • Ignoring catch up eligibility after age 50
  • Assuming match counts against the $24,500 employee limit
  • Using an aggressive return for every year without a backup plan
  • Comparing Roth and Traditional without adjusting for taxes

When this calculator is useful

Use it after a raise, job change, or open enrollment. Pair it with the Retirement Calculator to see whether the projected 401(k) balance supports your income goal when combined with other savings and Social Security.

Limitations

Results are estimates. Vesting schedules, plan fees, loan balances, after tax non Roth contributions, true ups, and nondiscrimination testing can change real outcomes. This tool is educational and is not tax or investment advice.

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Limits shown are for tax year 2026 based on IRS announcements. Confirm your plan document for match formula, true up rules, and whether super catch up is offered.

Sources & References

  • IRS newsroom: 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026. irs.gov/newsroom
  • IRC Section 402(g) elective deferrals and Section 414(v) catch up contributions
  • IRC Section 415(c) annual additions limit
  • SECURE 2.0 Act provisions on ages 60 to 63 catch up and Roth catch up for high earners