Free 401(k) Calculator 2026 – See Exactly How Much You'll Have at Retirement
The most accurate online 401(k) calculator. Enter your salary, contribution rate, and employer match to get a complete year-by-year retirement projection — including 2026 IRS limits and inflation adjustment.
Built for More Accurate Retirement Projections
Built with monthly compounding, 2026 IRS limits, the SECURE 2.0 Act super catch-up, and multiple employer match formulas.
Year-by-Year Projections
See your exact balance for every year from now until retirement, with a detailed breakdown of contributions and growth.
Employer Match Analysis
Compare your balance with and without employer match. See how the match formula affects your total retirement wealth.
2026 IRS Limits Applied
Automatically applies $24,500 standard limit, $32,500 catch-up (50+), and the new $35,750 super catch-up (60-63).
Inflation Adjustment
See your projected balance in today's dollars, so you know the real purchasing power of your retirement savings.
Traditional vs. Roth
Toggle between Traditional and Roth 401(k) to understand the tax implications for your specific situation.
Live, Instant Results
Every input update instantly recalculates. No forms to submit, no waiting — see results as you type.
How a 401(k) Really Works
The fundamentals behind why it's the most powerful retirement tool available.
Pre-Tax Contributions
With a Traditional 401(k), every dollar you contribute reduces your taxable income dollar-for-dollar. Contributing $10,000 at a 22% tax rate saves you $2,200 on this year's taxes.
Employer Match = Free Money
When your employer matches contributions, it's the highest-return investment you can make. A 50% match is a 50% instant return — better than any stock, bond, or savings account.
Tax-Deferred Growth
Your investments grow without being taxed each year. No capital gains taxes, no dividend taxes. This tax deferral dramatically accelerates compound growth over decades.
The Power of Starting Early
$200/month starting at 25 vs. 35 can mean the difference between $500,000 and $250,000 at 65. The earlier you start, the more compound interest works in your favor.
Common 401(k) Questions
How much should I contribute to my 401(k) in 2026?
At minimum, contribute enough to get your full employer match. Ideally, aim for 10-15% of your salary total (including employer contributions). The 2026 IRS limit is $24,500, or $32,500 if you're 50 or older.
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
The 2026 employee elective deferral limit is $24,500. Workers aged 50+ can add $8,000 catch-up contributions ($32,500 total). Workers aged 60-63 benefit from the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up: $11,250 additional ($35,750 total).
What's the difference between Traditional and Roth 401(k)?
Traditional 401(k): Pre-tax contributions reduce your taxable income now; you pay taxes when you withdraw. Roth 401(k): After-tax contributions; withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. The better choice depends on your current vs. expected future tax bracket.
How does employer matching work?
The most common formula is "50% of your contributions up to 6% of salary." This means if you contribute 6% ($4,500 on $75K salary), your employer adds 50% of that = $2,250 — for free. Always contribute at least enough to get the full match.
401(k) Resources & Guides
Expert articles to help you maximize your retirement savings.
