401(k) Calculator
Maximize employer matching and see if you're leaving free money on the table.
- Free forever
- 2026 IRS limits
- Employer match
Your Information
Your Contribution
For mega backdoor Roth strategy
Employer Match
e.g., 50% = $0.50 per $1
of salary they'll match
Advanced employer benefits (tiered match, bonus, retirement plan)
Growth Assumptions
Your projected 401(k) balance
At age 65 in 35 years
Estimated monthly retirement income
$2,357,228 totalWhere your balance came from
Paycheck impact
Based on 22% tax bracket. Traditional contributions reduce taxable income; after-tax do not.
Traditional vs Roth 401(k) (pre-tax only)
Projected growth over time
Showing future dollarsUnderstanding Your 401(k)
Employer Match = Free Money
If your employer offers matching contributions, always contribute enough to get the full match. It's an instant 50-100% return on your investment.
2026 Contribution Limits
You can contribute up to $24,500 per year. If you're 50 or older, you can add $8,000 more in catch-up contributions.
Tax-Advantaged Growth
Your 401(k) grows tax-deferred, meaning you don't pay taxes on gains until withdrawal. This allows your money to compound faster over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does employer matching work?
Employer matching means your company contributes additional money to your 401(k) based on your contributions. For example, "50% match up to 6%" means they'll add $0.50 for every $1 you contribute, up to 6% of your salary.
Traditional vs Roth 401(k): Which is better?
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income now, but you'll pay taxes in retirement. Roth contributions are taxed now, but grow and withdraw tax-free. Choose Traditional if you expect lower taxes in retirement, Roth if you expect higher.
What happens if I change jobs?
You can roll over your 401(k) to your new employer's plan or an IRA. Your own contributions are always yours, but employer contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule.
Can I withdraw money before retirement?
Early withdrawals (before age 59½) typically incur a 10% penalty plus income taxes. Some plans allow hardship withdrawals or loans, but these should be last resorts.
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