Retirement / 401(k) Planner
Project your retirement savings, factor in employer matching, and see whether you're on track for your goals.
Used for withdrawal projections. Default 90.
~$616,938 in today's dollars
~$2,056 in today's dollars
Employee: $255,000 · Employer: $76,500
| Age | Year | Starting | You | Employer | Growth | Withdrawal | Ending |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 2026 | $50,000 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $4,274 | — | $65,324 |
| 36 | 2027 | $65,324 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $5,346 | — | $81,720 |
| 37 | 2028 | $81,720 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $6,494 | — | $99,264 |
| 38 | 2029 | $99,264 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $7,722 | — | $118,035 |
| 39 | 2030 | $118,035 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $9,036 | — | $138,121 |
| 40 | 2031 | $138,121 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $10,442 | — | $159,613 |
| 41 | 2032 | $159,613 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $11,946 | — | $182,610 |
| 42 | 2033 | $182,610 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $13,556 | — | $207,216 |
| 43 | 2034 | $207,216 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $15,279 | — | $233,545 |
| 44 | 2035 | $233,545 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $17,122 | — | $261,716 |
| 45 | 2036 | $261,716 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $19,094 | — | $291,860 |
| 46 | 2037 | $291,860 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $21,204 | — | $324,114 |
| 47 | 2038 | $324,114 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $23,461 | — | $358,625 |
| 48 | 2039 | $358,625 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $25,877 | — | $395,552 |
| 49 | 2040 | $395,552 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $28,462 | — | $435,065 |
| 50 | 2041 | $435,065 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $31,228 | — | $477,343 |
| 51 | 2042 | $477,343 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $34,187 | — | $522,580 |
| 52 | 2043 | $522,580 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $37,354 | — | $570,984 |
| 53 | 2044 | $570,984 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $40,742 | — | $622,777 |
| 54 | 2045 | $622,777 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $44,368 | — | $678,194 |
| 55 | 2046 | $678,194 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $48,247 | — | $737,492 |
| 56 | 2047 | $737,492 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $52,398 | — | $800,939 |
| 57 | 2048 | $800,939 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $56,839 | — | $868,829 |
| 58 | 2049 | $868,829 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $61,592 | — | $941,470 |
| 59 | 2050 | $941,470 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $66,676 | — | $1,019,197 |
| 60 | 2051 | $1,019,197 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $72,117 | — | $1,102,364 |
| 61 | 2052 | $1,102,364 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $77,939 | — | $1,191,353 |
| 62 | 2053 | $1,191,353 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $84,168 | — | $1,286,571 |
| 63 | 2054 | $1,286,571 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $90,833 | — | $1,388,455 |
| 64 | 2055 | $1,388,455 | $8,500 | $2,550 | $97,965 | — | $1,497,470 |
| 65 | 2056 | $1,497,470 | $0 | $0 | $100,630 | $59,899 | $1,538,201 |
| 66 | 2057 | $1,538,201 | $0 | $0 | $103,481 | $59,899 | $1,581,783 |
| 67 | 2058 | $1,581,783 | $0 | $0 | $106,532 | $59,899 | $1,628,417 |
| 68 | 2059 | $1,628,417 | $0 | $0 | $109,796 | $59,899 | $1,678,314 |
| 69 | 2060 | $1,678,314 | $0 | $0 | $113,289 | $59,899 | $1,731,704 |
| 70 | 2061 | $1,731,704 | $0 | $0 | $117,026 | $59,899 | $1,788,832 |
| 71 | 2062 | $1,788,832 | $0 | $0 | $121,025 | $59,899 | $1,849,958 |
| 72 | 2063 | $1,849,958 | $0 | $0 | $125,304 | $59,899 | $1,915,364 |
| 73 | 2064 | $1,915,364 | $0 | $0 | $129,883 | $59,899 | $1,985,347 |
| 74 | 2065 | $1,985,347 | $0 | $0 | $134,781 | $59,899 | $2,060,230 |
| 75 | 2066 | $2,060,230 | $0 | $0 | $140,023 | $59,899 | $2,140,354 |
| 76 | 2067 | $2,140,354 | $0 | $0 | $145,632 | $59,899 | $2,226,088 |
| 77 | 2068 | $2,226,088 | $0 | $0 | $151,633 | $59,899 | $2,317,822 |
| 78 | 2069 | $2,317,822 | $0 | $0 | $158,055 | $59,899 | $2,415,978 |
| 79 | 2070 | $2,415,978 | $0 | $0 | $164,926 | $59,899 | $2,521,005 |
| 80 | 2071 | $2,521,005 | $0 | $0 | $172,277 | $59,899 | $2,633,383 |
| 81 | 2072 | $2,633,383 | $0 | $0 | $180,144 | $59,899 | $2,753,628 |
| 82 | 2073 | $2,753,628 | $0 | $0 | $188,561 | $59,899 | $2,882,291 |
| 83 | 2074 | $2,882,291 | $0 | $0 | $197,567 | $59,899 | $3,019,959 |
| 84 | 2075 | $3,019,959 | $0 | $0 | $207,204 | $59,899 | $3,167,265 |
| 85 | 2076 | $3,167,265 | $0 | $0 | $217,516 | $59,899 | $3,324,881 |
| 86 | 2077 | $3,324,881 | $0 | $0 | $228,549 | $59,899 | $3,493,531 |
| 87 | 2078 | $3,493,531 | $0 | $0 | $240,354 | $59,899 | $3,673,987 |
| 88 | 2079 | $3,673,987 | $0 | $0 | $252,986 | $59,899 | $3,867,074 |
| 89 | 2080 | $3,867,074 | $0 | $0 | $266,502 | $59,899 | $4,073,678 |
Important Financial Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational and illustrative purposes only. It is not investment, tax, or financial advice. Projected returns are hypothetical and not guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or retirement planner for guidance specific to your situation.
How to Use This Retirement Calculator
- Enter your current age and target retirement age.
- Input your current retirement savings balance across all accounts.
- Add your annual salary so percentage-based contributions resolve correctly.
- Select the primary account type (401(k), IRA, Roth, etc.).
- Enter your contribution amount as a dollar amount or percent of salary.
- Add your employer match percentage and cap if applicable.
- Adjust expected return, inflation, and withdrawal rate under Assumptions.
- (Optional) Enter a target monthly retirement income to see a gap analysis.
Understanding 401(k) Plans
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored defined contribution retirement plan. You defer a portion of your paycheck into an investment account that grows tax-advantaged. Many employers match a portion of your contributions — effectively free compensation you should not leave on the table.
- Pre-tax 401(k): contributions reduce taxable income today; withdrawals in retirement are taxed.
- Roth 401(k): contributions are after-tax; qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
- Vesting: employer contributions may take several years to become fully yours.
2025 IRS Contribution Limits
| Limit | 2025 Amount |
|---|---|
| 401(k) / 403(b) / 457(b) employee deferral | $23,500 |
| Catch-up contribution (age 50+) | $7,500 |
| Super catch-up (age 60–63, SECURE 2.0) | $11,250 |
| Traditional / Roth IRA | $7,000 |
| IRA catch-up (age 50+) | $1,000 |
| SIMPLE IRA | $16,500 |
Roth vs. Traditional: Which Is Right for You?
Consider Traditional if:
- You're in a high tax bracket now.
- You expect lower income in retirement.
- You want immediate tax savings.
Consider Roth if:
- You're in a lower tax bracket now.
- You expect higher income or tax rates in retirement.
- You want tax-free growth and withdrawals.
- You want to avoid RMDs (Roth IRA).
The Power of Employer Matching
Employer match is essentially free money — always contribute enough to receive the full match. A common formula is 50% match on the first 6% of salary, but many variations exist.
Example
On a $100,000 salary with a 50% match on the first 6%: contribute $6,000 and your employer adds $3,000, for a total $9,000 a year. Over 30 years at 7%, that extra $3,000 match alone grows to roughly $283,000.
Compound Growth & the Rule of 72
Time is your greatest asset. The Rule of 72 estimates years to double your money: 72 divided by your rate of return. At 7% that's ~10 years. Someone who invests from age 25–35 often ends up with more than someone investing three times as much from age 35–65.
Withdrawal Strategies
- The 4% rule: withdraw 4% of your balance in year one, adjusting for inflation thereafter. Historically sustains a 30-year retirement.
- Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): must begin at age 73 for traditional tax-deferred accounts under the SECURE 2.0 Act. Roth IRAs are exempt during the owner's lifetime.
- Tax-efficient order: taxable accounts first, then tax-deferred, then Roth — adjusted for your tax bracket.
Common Retirement Planning Mistakes
- Not starting early enough — every decade roughly halves your outcome.
- Leaving employer match on the table.
- Being too conservative when young (or too aggressive near retirement).
- Ignoring fees — 1% extra cost can erase hundreds of thousands over a career.
- Cashing out when changing jobs instead of rolling over.
- Underestimating healthcare and long-term-care costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I save for retirement?
A common guideline is to save 10–15% of your income (including employer match). The exact amount depends on your retirement age, lifestyle expectations, and when you start.
What is the 4% rule?
Withdraw 4% of your retirement savings in year one, then adjust that amount for inflation each year. Historically this has sustained a 30-year retirement.
Should I choose Roth or Traditional?
It depends on your current vs. expected future tax rate. If you expect higher taxes in retirement, Roth is often better. If lower, traditional may be better. Many people benefit from a mix for tax diversification.
What happens if I exceed contribution limits?
Excess contributions must be withdrawn by Tax Day of the following year to avoid double taxation. This calculator warns you when you approach or exceed the limit.
What is employer matching?
When your employer contributes additional money to your 401(k) based on your own contributions. For example, a 50% match on the first 6% means if you contribute 6%, your employer adds 3%. It's essentially free money.
When can I withdraw without penalty?
Generally age 59½ for 401(k)s and IRAs. Exceptions include the Rule of 55 (leaving employer at 55+), SEPP, certain hardships, and Roth IRA contributions (not earnings), which can be withdrawn anytime.
What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?
Mandatory annual withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts starting at age 73. Failure to take RMDs results in a 25% penalty on the amount not withdrawn.
How do I account for inflation?
This calculator shows both nominal and inflation-adjusted (real) projections. A common assumption is 2–3% annual inflation.
Can I have both a 401(k) and an IRA?
Yes, subject to each account's limits. If you have a 401(k), your traditional IRA deduction may be limited based on income. Roth IRA contributions have separate income limits.
What if I change jobs?
You can leave the money in your old 401(k), roll it over to your new employer's plan, roll it over to an IRA, or cash out (not recommended due to taxes and the 10% penalty). Rollovers preserve tax-deferred growth.
Related Calculators
- Mortgage Calculator — model home-ownership costs in retirement.
- Salary to Hourly Calculator — understand pay-period contributions.
Financial Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational and illustrative purposes only. Actual investment returns vary and are not guaranteed.
Not Financial Advice: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not investment, tax, or financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor, tax professional, or retirement planner for guidance specific to your circumstances.
Tax Disclaimer: Tax calculations are estimates based on current federal tax laws, which may change. State taxes are not included.
Accuracy Disclaimer: Contribution limits, tax rules, and Social Security provisions are subject to annual changes by the IRS and Congress. Verify current limits at IRS.gov.