401(k) retirement savings calculator

401(k) calculator definitions

Annual salary: This is your annual salary before taxes and other benefit deductions. Since your contribution rate and company match are based on the salary paid to you by your employer, don't include any income you receive from other sources.

Contribution percentage (and annual contribution limits): This is the percentage of your annual salary that you contribute to your 401(k) each year. Most employers allow employees to contribute up to 100% of their salary to a 401(k). But the IRS sets limits on annual 401(k) contributions. The maximum employee contribution is $24,500 in 2026, up from $23,500 in 2025. Those age 50 or older can make a catch-up contribution of an additional $8,000 in 2026, up from $7,500 in 2025. But if you're 60, 61, 62 or 63, you're eligible for a catch-up contribution of $11,250 in 2026 and in 2025 (this dollar amount is instead of the $8,000 extra contribution available to other people age 50+). Employer contributions aren't counted in the employee's maximum annual contribution limit. Read more about 401(k) contribution limits.

Employees classified as "highly compensated" may be subject to contribution limits based on their employer's overall 401(k) participation. If you expect your salary to be $160,000 or more, you may need to contact your employer to see if these additional contribution limits apply to you.

Annual salary increase: The annual percentage you expect your salary to increase. This calculator assumes that your salary will continue to increase at this rate until you retire.

Retirement age: This calculator assumes that in the year you retire, you don't make any more contributions to your 401(k). For example, if you retire at 65, your last contribution occurs when you're 64.

Annual rate of return: This calculator assumes that your return is compounded annually and your deposits are made monthly. The actual rate of return is largely dependent on the types of investments you choose in your plan. As an example, the S&P 500 stock index has returned about 10% over the long term. Still, stock-market returns can be volatile over short time periods. Fixed-income investments such as bonds are typically less volatile, but generally offer lower returns compared to stocks. Keep in mind that future rates of return can't be predicted with certainty and that investments that pay higher rates of return are generally subject to higher risk and volatility. The actual rate of return on investments can vary widely over time, and can include the loss of principal.

Current 401(k) balance: The starting balance or current amount you have invested or saved in your 401(k).

Employer match: An employer match is in addition to your annual contributions (it doesn't count towards the employee's maximum annual contribution), and is based on a percentage of your annual contributions. For example, let's assume an employer matches 50% of the employee's contributions up to 6% of their salary. The employee earns $100,000 per year and contributes 10% to the 401(k). The results would be:

• $10,000 from the employee
• $3,000 from the employer (which is 50% of $6,000, or 6% of the annual salary)
• Total: $13,000

Read the definition for "employer maximum" (below) for a detailed description of maximum employer matching contributions. Matching contributions can be subject to a vesting schedule. See your plan information for details.

Employer maximum: This is the maximum percent of your salary matched by your employer regardless of the amount you decide to contribute. For example, let's assume your employer has a 50% match, up to a maximum of 6% of your annual salary. If you have an annual salary of $25,000 and contribute 6%, your annual contribution is $1,500. With a 50% match, your employer will add $750 to your 401(k) account. If you increase your contribution to 10%, your annual contribution is $2,500 per year. Your employer match, however, is limited to 50% of the first 6% of your salary and remains $750.