401(k) Retirement Calculator 2026
Project your retirement savings with employer match, compound growth, and IRS contribution limits.
Your Information
Projected Balance at Retirement (Age 65)
$2,018,088
Taxed as ordinary income
Your Contributions
$374,959
Employer Match
$112,488
Investment Gains
$1,505,642
Monthly Income (4% Rule)
$6,727
Traditional vs Roth Comparison
Traditional 401(k)
- Tax deduction now: ~$1,650/yr
- Taxed at withdrawal
- RMDs at age 73
Roth 401(k)
- No tax deduction now
- Tax-free at retirement: $2,018,088
- No RMDs (if rolled to Roth IRA)
Year-by-Year Projection
| Age | Salary | You | Employer | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | $75,000 | $7,500 | $2,250 | $36,841 |
| 36 | $82,806 | $8,281 | $2,484 | $113,115 |
| 41 | $91,425 | $9,142 | $2,743 | $226,489 |
| 46 | $100,940 | $10,094 | $3,028 | $392,562 |
| 51 | $111,446 | $11,145 | $3,343 | $633,284 |
| 56 | $123,045 | $12,305 | $3,691 | $979,515 |
| 61 | $135,852 | $13,585 | $4,076 | $1,474,626 |
| 65 | $147,051 | $14,705 | $4,412 | $2,018,088 |
2026 Contribution Limits
Disclaimer
- Projections assume consistent contributions and returns, which will vary in practice.
- Contribution limits based on projected 2026 IRS guidelines.
- Investment returns are not guaranteed; actual results will vary.
- Consult a financial advisor for personalized retirement planning.
How a 401(k) Works
A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan that lets you contribute a portion of your paycheck before (Traditional) or after (Roth) taxes. Many employers also match a percentage of your contributions, which is essentially free money toward your retirement.
2026 Contribution Limits
The IRS sets annual limits on how much you can contribute. For 2026, the projected limits are:
| Category | Limit |
|---|---|
| Employee contribution (under 50) | $23,500 |
| Catch-up (age 50+) | +$7,500 ($31,000 total) |
| Super catch-up (age 60-63) | +$11,250 ($34,750 total) |
| Total with employer match (under 50) | $70,000 |
Traditional vs Roth 401(k)
With a Traditional 401(k), contributions reduce your taxable income now, but withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. A Roth 401(k)uses after-tax dollars, so withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free.
Generally, if you expect your tax rate to be higher in retirement than today, Roth may be better. If you expect a lower rate later, Traditional may save you more. Many advisors suggest contributing to both for tax diversification.
Employer Match: Don't Leave Money on the Table
A common employer match is 50% of your contribution up to 6% of salary. That means if you earn $75,000 and contribute 6% ($4,500), your employer adds $2,250 — a 50% return before any market gains. Always contribute at least enough to get the full match.
The 4% Rule for Retirement Income
The 4% rule suggests you can withdraw 4% of your retirement savings each year with a low risk of running out of money over 30 years. With a $1,000,000 balance, that provides roughly $40,000/year or $3,333/month in retirement income.
See official IRS 401(k) contribution limits→Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I withdraw before 59½?
Early withdrawals from a Traditional 401(k) are subject to a 10% penalty plus ordinary income tax. There are some exceptions, including the Rule of 55 (leaving your job at age 55+) and certain hardship withdrawals.
Should I max out my 401(k)?
At minimum, contribute enough to get your full employer match. Beyond that, consider maxing out if you're in a high tax bracket (Traditional) or want tax-free growth (Roth). If the 401(k) has limited fund options, a Roth IRA might be a better vehicle for additional savings.
How does a 401(k) compare to an IRA?
401(k) plans have higher contribution limits ($23,500 vs $7,000 for IRAs in 2026) and may include employer matching. IRAs offer more investment choices. Many people use both — max out the employer match in their 401(k), then contribute to a Roth IRA, then go back to the 401(k) for additional contributions. See our Federal Tax Calculator to see how 401(k) contributions affect your tax bill.
Learn more about 401(k) plans on IRS.gov→