How a 401(k) grows
A 401(k) is a workplace retirement account: money goes in straight from your paycheck (often before tax), your employer frequently matches part of it, and the whole balance compounds for decades. This calculator projects that growth month by month up to your retirement age, then shows how long it would last once you start drawing on it.
The single biggest lever most people overlook is the employer match. Capturing a full 4% match on a typical salary can add hundreds of thousands of dollars over a career — money you’d miss out on by contributing too little. We add it to your projection automatically so you can see its real impact.
Are you on track?
The verdict at the top reads your plan as On track, Almost there, or Let’s close the gap — never a pass/fail. The numbers stay honest, but any shortfall comes with the exact fix: how much more per month, or how many extra years, would close it. Every assumption — returns, inflation, how long you plan for — is visible and editable, so the result is never a black box.
Frequently asked questions
How much will my 401(k) be worth at retirement?
It depends on what you contribute, your employer match, your returns, and how many years you have left. As a rough guide, contributing $600 a month for 30 years at a 7% return grows to well over $700,000 — and the employer match can add a six-figure chunk on top for free. Enter your salary, contribution, and match above to see your projected balance and whether it’s on track.
How does a 401(k) employer match work?
Many employers match part of what you put in — for example, 100% of your contributions up to 4% of your salary. On a $70,000 salary, a 4% match is about $2,800 a year, or roughly $233 a month, added to your account at no cost to you. It’s one of the highest-return moves in personal finance, which is why this calculator folds it straight into your projection.
What is a good 401(k) contribution percentage?
A common target is 15% of your salary, including the employer match. If your employer matches up to a certain percent, contributing at least enough to capture the full match is the first priority — anything less leaves free money on the table. Use the sliders to see how raising your contribution changes the projected balance.
Can I retire on my 401(k) alone?
Often a 401(k) is the largest piece, but not the whole picture. Social Security typically covers part of your spending, and you may have other savings. This calculator combines your 401(k) projection with Social Security and a safe withdrawal rate to show whether the total is enough — and exactly what to change if it isn’t.