Quick answer
How much will my 401(k) grow?
If you start at 30 with $20,000 saved, earn $75,000, contribute 10% and get a 50% match on the first 6%, a 401(k) growing 7% a year with 3% raises could reach about $2.2 million at 65. You’d put in about $453,000 and your employer about $136,000; the rest is investment growth.
- 2026 limit: $24,500 (+$8,000 at 50+, +$11,250 at 60–63)
- Always contribute enough to get the full employer match
- Starting early matters more than contributing more later
How can I grow my 401(k) faster?
- Contribute at least enough to get your full employer match; it’s an instant return
- Raise your contribution by 1% every year or with each pay rise
- Keep fees low: choose broad index funds where available
- Avoid early withdrawals, which usually cost a 10% penalty plus tax
What is the 401k limit for 2026?
For 2026, you can defer up to $24,500 of your salary into a 401(k). From age 50 you can add a $8,000 catch-up, and from age 60 to 63 a larger $11,250 catch-up instead. Employer contributions don’t count toward your own limit, but the total going into your account is capped at $72,000.
The calculator stops your contributions at the limit for your age each year. It keeps today’s limits for future years, although the IRS usually raises them over time, so a high earner’s projection may be a little low.
How does this 401k retirement calculator work?
Each year it takes your salary times your contribution rate, adds the employer match on the part of your contribution up to the match limit, and grows the balance at your chosen return. New contributions earn about half a year’s growth in the year you make them. Your salary then rises by your yearly raise. The “today’s dollars” figure discounts the result by 2.5% inflation a year.
With the default inputs (age 30, $75,000 salary, $20,000 saved, a 50% match on the first 6%, 3% raises and a 7% return), your contribution rate changes the result at 65 like this:
| You contribute | Employer adds | Balance at 65 |
|---|---|---|
| 4% | $90,693 | $1,129,047 |
| 6% | $136,040 | $1,586,805 |
| 10% | $136,040 | $2,197,148 |
| 15% | $136,040 | $2,960,078 |
Below 6%, you leave part of the match unclaimed. Starting late costs more than you might expect: begin the same 10% plan at 40 and you reach about $949,567 at 65. Returns are not guaranteed and investments can lose value, so treat every figure as a projection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
$24,500 for employee deferrals. Workers aged 50 or older can add a $8,000 catch-up, and those aged 60 to 63 can add $11,250 instead. The total including employer contributions is capped at $72,000.
How much will my 401(k) be worth at 65?
Starting at 30 with a $75,000 salary and $20,000 saved, contributing 10% with a 50% match on the first 6%, 3% yearly raises and a 7% return, your 401(k) could grow to about $2.2 million by 65 (about $926,000 in today’s dollars).
How does a 401(k) employer match work?
A common match is 50% of what you contribute, up to 6% of your salary. If you earn $75,000 and contribute at least 6%, your employer adds $2,250 a year. Always contribute enough to get the full match.
Should I choose a traditional or Roth 401(k)?
Traditional contributions lower your tax now; Roth contributions are taxed now but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. If you expect a higher tax rate later, Roth often wins. From 2026, catch-up contributions must be Roth if you earned over $150,000 in FICA wages the year before.
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At least enough to get your full employer match. Many planners suggest saving 10–15% of pay for retirement in total, including the match, and raising your rate by 1% a year until you get there.
What happens if I contribute more than the 401(k) limit?
Excess deferrals should be returned to you, usually by April 15 of the following year, or the money can end up taxed twice. Payroll normally stops your contributions at the limit, but check if you had two employers in the same year.