# 401(k) Calculator

> Project your 401(k) balance at retirement with employer match, salary growth and the 2026 IRS contribution limit.

URL: https://paycheck-math.com/us/401k-calculator/  
Breadcrumbs: Home > United States > 401(k) Calculator  
Language: en-US  
Rates checked: 2026-10-25  

Project your 401(k) balance at retirement from today's balance, your contributions, your employer's and the investment return you expect. Your contributions are capped at the 2026 IRS limit of $24,500.

## Result with default inputs

Inputs: balance=25000, salary=70000, contrib_pct=6, match_pct=50, match_cap_pct=6, return_pct=6, salary_growth_pct=2.5, years=30, limit=24500

**Balance at retirement: $819,541.51**


| Line | Item | Amount |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Your contributions | $184,391.35 |
| 2 | Employer contributions | $92,195.68 |
| 3 | Investment growth | $517,954.48 |
| 4 | **Balance at retirement** | $819,541.51 |

_Projection in today's rules. Returns are not guaranteed and fees reduce growth._


To compute other inputs, call the JSON API: `https://paycheck-math.com/api/v1/calculate?path=%2Fus%2F401k-calculator%2F&balance=25000&salary=70000&contrib_pct=6` or open the page URL with the same query parameters.

## Balance by yearly return

| Return | Balance after 30 years |
| --- | --- |
| 4% | $571,958 |
| 5% | $682,605 |
| 6% | $819,542 |
| 7% | $989,385 |
| 8% | $1,200,426 |

## How it's calculated

1. Each year your contribution and your employer's are added (mid-year on average).
2. The balance grows by the yearly return you choose.
3. Your salary rises by the pay rise you enter.

Figures are before inflation and fees. Contribution tax (for example 15% on concessional super contributions) is not deducted.

## Questions people ask

### What return should I assume?

Long-run stock market returns have averaged about 7% a year before inflation, but a mixed portfolio and fees usually bring that lower. Try a few rates in the table.

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Estimates for information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check with an adviser or the official tax authority.