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How to use the 401(k) Calculator
- 1Enter your age, retirement age and salary.
- 2Enter your contribution percentage and your employer's match.
- 3Add your current balance and expected return to see your projected balance.
2026 401(k) limits
| Limit | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Employee contributions | $24,500 |
| Catch-up contributions (age 50+) | $8,000 |
| Higher catch-up (ages 60–63) | $11,250 |
Always get the full match
A common match is 50% of what you contribute, up to 6% of your salary. If you earn $75,000 and contribute 6% ($4,500), your employer adds $2,250 a year. That's an instant 50% return, so contributing at least enough for the full match is one of the best financial moves you can make.
Traditional 401(k) contributions also reduce your taxable income today. Roth 401(k) contributions don't, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. From 2026, catch-up contributions for people who earned more than $150,000 in the previous year must go into Roth.
Sources & review
Figures last checked in October 2026 against the official sources below. Annual compounding with mid-year contributions, capped at the 2026 limits.
Results are estimates for general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. How we check our tools
Frequently asked questions
How much should I have in my 401(k)?
A common guideline is 1× your salary by 30, 3× by 40, 6× by 50 and 10× by 67, counting all retirement savings. Use the calculator to see if you're on track.
What is the 4% rule?
A rule of thumb that you can withdraw about 4% of your savings in the first year of retirement, then adjust for inflation, with a good chance the money lasts 30 years. $500,000 supports about $20,000 a year.
Does the employer match count toward the $24,500 limit?
No. The $24,500 limit applies only to your own contributions. Combined employee and employer contributions have a much higher overall limit.