401k contribution calculator - 2026
Enter your salary, contribution rate, and employer match to see your projected retirement savings
Enter 0 if just starting
6%
= $0/yr — 2026 limit: $23,500
3%
% of salary your employer matches
Employer matches up to this % of your salary
Projected balance
--
at retirement
Employer match value
--
total contributions
Annual tax savings
--
reduced taxable income
Take-home pay impact
--
less per paycheck
Projected 401k growth over time
Your contributions
Employer match
Investment growth
| Category | Annual | Total at retirement |
|---|---|---|
| Your contributions | -- | -- |
| Employer match | -- | -- |
| Investment growth | -- | -- |
| Total projected balance | -- | -- |
Projections assume constant contribution rates and investment returns. Actual returns vary and are not guaranteed. This calculator is for educational purposes only. Consult a financial advisor for personalized retirement planning advice.
Frequently asked questions - 401k 2026
How much should I contribute to my 401k?
At minimum, contribute enough to get your full employer match - that is free money and an instant 50-100% return on your contribution. Beyond that, a common guideline is to save 15% of your income for retirement (including employer match). If you can't hit 15% immediately, start with the match and increase 1% per year until you reach your goal.
What is the 401k contribution limit for 2026?
The IRS limit for employee 401k contributions in 2026 is $23,500 per year. If you are age 50 or older, you can make an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500, bringing your total to $31,000. The combined limit including employer contributions is $70,000. These limits typically increase slightly each year with inflation.
What is an employer 401k match?
An employer match is when your company contributes money to your 401k based on what you contribute. A common match is 100% of your contributions up to 3% of your salary, or 50% up to 6% of your salary. If you don't contribute enough to capture the full match, you are leaving part of your compensation on the table. Always contribute at least enough to get the full employer match.
Traditional 401k vs Roth 401k - which is better?
Traditional 401k contributions are pre-tax - they reduce your taxable income now but you pay taxes when you withdraw in retirement. Roth 401k contributions are after-tax - you pay taxes now but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, Roth may be better. If you expect a lower bracket, Traditional is usually better. Many financial advisors recommend splitting contributions between both.