401(k) Growth Calculator | Contribution And Match Projection

On this page: Employee Contributions And Match Salary And Contribution Rate Vesting And Plan Rules Traditional Versus Roth 401(k)Improving The Projection 401(k) Scenarios To Test FAQ

Employee Contributions And Match

A 401(k) grows from the balance already in the account, new payroll contributions, employer match, investment returns, and time.

The employer match can be one of the most valuable parts of the plan. If you contribute below the match threshold, you may be leaving compensation unused.

Match formulas vary. Some employers match dollar-for-dollar up to a limit; others match a percentage of your contribution.

Salary And Contribution Rate

Contribution percent is applied to salary. A raise can increase contributions automatically if the percentage stays the same.

If your plan allows auto-escalation, small annual increases can materially improve the long-term balance.

Contribution limits may cap what high earners can add. This calculator is a planning estimate and does not enforce every annual IRS limit.

Vesting And Plan Rules

Employer match may vest immediately or over time. Unvested match should not be treated as guaranteed if you may leave the job.

Plan fees and investment options affect real growth. A high-fee fund can reduce the ending balance over decades.

Loans, hardship withdrawals, and early cash-outs can interrupt compounding and should be modeled separately.

Traditional Versus Roth 401(k)

Traditional contributions reduce taxable income now but are taxed later when withdrawn.

Roth contributions are made after tax but qualified withdrawals can be tax-free.

The growth projection can be similar before tax, but after-tax value depends on current and future tax rates.

Improving The Projection

First, contribute enough to capture the full match if possible.

Next, test a 1% contribution increase. Small payroll changes can become large balances over time.

Review investment allocation so the return assumption matches the actual portfolio.

401(k) Scenarios To Test

Run with and without employer match to see its value.

Run contribution rates from your current rate up to your target rate.

Run a lower-return version, including 0% if you want a contribution-only stress test, to see whether the plan still supports your retirement goal.

401k Growth Calculator FAQs

Does this enforce 401(k) contribution limits?

No. Check current plan and tax-year limits separately.

Should I include employer match?

Yes if it is expected, but consider vesting.

What if my salary changes?

Update the calculator after raises or job changes.

Should I enter my current 401(k) balance?

Yes. Enter the balance already in the account so the projection includes both existing savings and future contributions.

Does this show after-tax retirement value?

No. It projects account balance before future tax treatment.

401k Growth Calculator