Retirement / 401(k) Calculator

Project your nest egg, including your employer's matching contributions.

Estimates for educational purposes only — not financial, tax, or investment advice.

Free money: the employer match

If your employer matches part of your 401(k) contribution, that's an immediate, guaranteed return on your savings before the market does anything. This calculator folds the match into your monthly total, so you can see how much it adds over decades — often a six-figure difference at retirement.

Time is the biggest lever

Because returns compound, contributions you make in your 20s and 30s do far more work than the same dollars added near retirement. Lengthen the 'years to retirement' field and watch the growth line jump — that gap is the cost of waiting.

Frequently asked questions

How does the employer match input work?

Enter the match as a percentage of your own contribution. For example, a 50% match means your employer adds $0.50 for every $1.00 you contribute, up to your plan's cap.

What return should I assume for retirement?

Long-term diversified portfolios have historically returned roughly 6-8% before inflation, but this is not guaranteed. Try a lower rate to see a conservative projection.

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