401(k) Calculator
Estimate your retirement savings and plan for your financial future
Basic 401(k) Calculator
Contribution Details
Retirement Projection
Projected 401(k) Balance at Retirement
$1,711,800.47
Age 65
Estimated Monthly Retirement Income
$7,132.50
Using 4% rule over 20 years
Breakdown
Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Age | Contribution | Investment Return | End Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | $8,625.00 | $2,358.75 | $45,983.75 |
| 32 | $8,883.75 | $3,025.54 | $57,893.04 |
| 33 | $9,150.26 | $3,748.09 | $70,791.39 |
| 34 | $9,424.77 | $4,530.23 | $84,746.39 |
| 35 | $9,707.51 | $5,376.01 | $99,829.91 |
| 36 | $9,998.74 | $6,289.76 | $116,118.40 |
| 37 | $10,298.70 | $7,276.07 | $133,693.17 |
| 38 | $10,607.66 | $8,339.82 | $152,640.65 |
| 39 | $10,925.89 | $9,486.22 | $173,052.76 |
| 40 | $11,253.67 | $10,720.78 | $195,027.21 |
| 41 | $11,591.28 | $12,049.37 | $218,667.86 |
| 42 | $11,939.02 | $13,478.24 | $244,085.11 |
| 43 | $12,297.19 | $15,014.02 | $271,396.32 |
| 44 | $12,666.10 | $16,663.76 | $300,726.19 |
| 45 | $13,046.09 | $18,434.95 | $332,207.23 |
| 46 | $13,437.47 | $20,335.56 | $365,980.26 |
| 47 | $13,840.59 | $22,374.03 | $402,194.88 |
| 48 | $14,255.81 | $24,559.37 | $441,010.06 |
| 49 | $14,683.49 | $26,901.11 | $482,594.66 |
| 50 | $15,123.99 | $29,409.40 | $527,128.04 |
| 51 | $15,577.71 | $32,095.01 | $574,800.77 |
| 52 | $16,045.04 | $34,969.40 | $625,815.21 |
| 53 | $16,526.39 | $38,044.70 | $680,386.30 |
| 54 | $17,022.18 | $41,333.84 | $738,742.33 |
| 55 | $17,532.85 | $44,850.53 | $801,125.70 |
| 56 | $18,058.83 | $48,609.31 | $867,793.84 |
| 57 | $18,600.60 | $52,625.65 | $939,020.09 |
| 58 | $19,158.62 | $56,915.96 | $1,015,094.67 |
| 59 | $19,733.38 | $61,497.68 | $1,096,325.73 |
| 60 | $20,325.38 | $66,389.31 | $1,183,040.42 |
| 61 | $20,935.14 | $71,610.48 | $1,275,586.03 |
| 62 | $21,563.19 | $77,182.06 | $1,374,331.28 |
| 63 | $22,210.09 | $83,126.18 | $1,479,667.55 |
| 64 | $22,876.39 | $89,466.34 | $1,592,010.29 |
| 65 | $23,562.68 | $96,227.50 | $1,711,800.47 |
Quick Reference
2025 Contribution Limits
Under 50: $23,500
50+: $31,000
60-63: $34,750
401(k) Tips
- ✓ Always get the full employer match
- ✓ Increase contributions yearly
- ✓ Diversify your investments
- ✓ Review holdings annually
Note: This calculator provides estimates. Actual returns may vary based on market conditions and investment choices.
401(k) Early Withdrawal Calculator
Calculate the cost of withdrawing funds before age 59½
Are you employed?
Do you have a qualifying disability?
Do you qualify for other penalty exemptions?
Withdrawal Breakdown
Maximize Employer Match Calculator
Find the optimal contribution percentage to maximize employer matching
Match Tier 1
Match Tier 2
Optimal Contribution Range
Minimum Contribution (Capture All Match)
2.70%
Annual Amount: $2,025.00
Maximum Contribution (Without Over-Limiting)
31.33%
Annual Amount: $23,500.00
IRS 2025 Limit
$23,500.00
Based on age 30
Recommendation: Contribute between 2.7% and 15.0% to capture all employer match while staying within IRS limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 401(k) and how does it work?
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan that allows employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax salary. Employers often match a percentage of contributions, and the funds grow tax-deferred until withdrawal in retirement. It's named after the Internal Revenue Code section that created it.
What are the 2025 contribution limits for 401(k)?
For 2025, employees under 50 can contribute up to $23,500 annually. Those 50 and older can contribute $31,000 (including $7,500 catch-up contributions). Employees aged 60-63 can contribute up to $34,750. The combined employee and employer contribution cannot exceed $70,000 per year.
Can I withdraw money from my 401(k) before retirement?
Early withdrawals before age 59½ are generally subject to a 10% penalty plus income taxes. However, some hardship exceptions exist, including medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI, home purchase costs, education expenses, and certain other qualifying events. Having a disability also exempts you from the 10% penalty.
What is an employer match and why should I care?
An employer match is free money your employer contributes to your 401(k) based on your contributions. For example, a 50% match up to 3% of salary means if you contribute 3% of your $100,000 salary ($3,000), your employer adds another $1,500. Always contribute enough to get the full match—it's an immediate 100% return on investment.
When do I have to start taking distributions from my 401(k)?
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) must begin by April 1st of the year after you turn 73 (72 if you reached that age before December 31, 2022). The amount is calculated by dividing your December 31st balance by an IRS life-expectancy factor. Failing to take RMD results in a 50% penalty on the shortfall.
What's the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA?
A 401(k) is employer-sponsored with higher contribution limits ($23,500 vs $7,000 for IRA in 2025), employer matching, and limited investment options. An IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is self-directed with more investment flexibility but lower contribution limits. Many people have both. Roth versions offer tax-free withdrawals instead of tax-deferred growth.
Pro Tips
- • Always contribute enough to capture the full employer match. Leaving free money on the table is a missed opportunity for wealth building.
- • Increase contributions by 1-2% annually or with raises. Even small increases compound significantly over decades of work.
- • Diversify your 401(k) investments across asset classes (stocks, bonds, international) based on your age and risk tolerance.
- • Review your portfolio annually and rebalance if needed, especially as you approach retirement to reduce risk exposure.
- • If changing jobs, roll over your old 401(k) to an IRA or new employer plan to maintain tax advantages and often gain better investment options.
- • Take advantage of catch-up contributions at age 50. The extra $7,500 (2025) annually can significantly boost retirement savings.
- • Avoid early withdrawals unless absolutely necessary. Penalties, taxes, and lost compound growth can severely impact your retirement.
Update Logs
View the latest updates and features