⚑ An estimate, not advice
This is a nominal estimate for educational purposes only; returns are not guaranteed and the result is not adjusted for inflation. It is not financial or tax advice — consult a licensed professional before making decisions.
$
$
Projected balance at retirement
$0
$0Your total contributions
$0Total employer match
$0Investment growth
Year-by-year projection
| Age | Your contributions | Employer match | End-of-year balance |
|---|
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The tool simulates your account one year at a time, from your current age until retirement. Each year it adds your own contribution, the employer match, then grows the whole balance:
balance = balance × (1 + return) + your contribution + employer match
Your yearly contribution is salary × your %. The employer match applies only to the matched portion of your salary — the lesser of your contribution rate and the 6% cap — multiplied by the match rate. So a 50% match on the first 6% of a $60,000 salary adds 50% × 6% × $60,000 = $1,800 in year one. After each year, your salary grows by the salary-growth rate, so contributions rise over time too.
Investment growth is the projected balance minus your starting balance, your total contributions and the total employer match — in other words, everything compounding earned for you. This is a nominal estimate: it is not adjusted for inflation, and real returns vary and can be negative.
Frequently asked questions
How does a 401(k) employer match work?
Employers often match a share of what you contribute, up to a salary cap. A 50% match on the first 6% means that if you defer at least 6% of pay, the employer adds 50% of that 6%. This tool caps the matched portion of your salary at 6%.
What return should I assume?
There is no guaranteed return. Diversified portfolios have historically averaged roughly 6–8% per year before inflation, but results vary and can be negative. The 7% default is a planning estimate — try lower figures to stress-test.
Is the balance adjusted for inflation?
No — it is a nominal figure in future dollars, which will buy less than the same dollars today. To approximate today's purchasing power, use a return assumption that subtracts your expected inflation rate.
How much should I contribute?
At least enough to capture the full employer match — that is free money. Beyond that, many planners suggest 10–15% of salary including the match. IRS annual limits apply and change over time.
Related tools
Sources & further reading
U.S. Department of Labor and IRS guidance on 401(k) plans and contribution limits; standard future-value compounding math. Read our full disclaimer →