401(k) Calculator
Estimate your retirement savings with NerdWallet's free 401(k) calculator. Enter your contributions and employer match to get started.
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A can be one of the most powerful tools for building long-term wealth. With a traditional 401(k), contributions lower your taxable income while investments grow tax-free. If you receive an employer match, these extra contributions can significantly boost your balance over time.
Use NerdWallet’s 401(k) calculator to see how your savings strategy could impact your retirement total — and find out if you’re on track to meet your goals.
Investment details
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About this 401(k) calculator
How to fill out your 401(k) details
Current age: The age you are turning this calendar year.
Annual income: The amount of money earned this year from your employer. For the purposes of this calculator, include only this income source to best calculate your 401(k) plan balance by retirement. Our calculator also assumes 2% annual income growth.
Starting balance: The amount currently in your 401(k) plan.
Monthly contribution: The IRS sets a limit on how much can be put into this plan every year, also known as an annual 401(k) contribution limit. In 2026, the 401(k) contribution limit is $24,500 for those under age 50, $32,500 for those over age 50, and $35,750 for those between the ages of 60 to 63.
Employer match: This refers to the amount your employer puts in your 401(k) in addition to your contribution. It can range from 0% to 100% and typically depends on how much you contribute. In 2026, for those under 50, the combined limit that both you and your employer can contribute to your plan cannot exceed $72,000 or 100% of employee compensation, whichever is less.
Employer match limit: This refers to the maximum amount of your salary that your employer will match as part of their 401(k) matching contribution.
Retirement age: The age you retire. Full Social Security benefits begin at age 67 for people born in 1960 and later. Early retirement benefits are available at 62, but at a lower monthly amount. While you can edit your retirement age above, keep in mind that if you want to withdraw money from your 401(k) early, there are additional taxes and penalties in most cases.
Estimated rate of return: This is the money you earn or lose from an investment. The estimated annual return expected from your 401(k) investments defaults to 6%, but this can be adjusted.
Total 401(k) fees: These are charged by 401(k) plan administrators to cover administrative costs, plan management and more. These fees vary by plan and will reduce your expected rate of return. Our calculator defaults to fees of 0%.
See where you stand compared to households like yours, and get steps you could take to grow from here.
NWWP is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply skill or training. Calculator by NerdWallet, Inc., an affiliate, for informational purposes only.
Pros and cons of a 401(k)
Tax-advantaged growth. Traditional 401(k) plans take pretax contributions, reducing taxable income for the year. You might also have access to a Roth 401(k), which requires after-tax contributions but offers tax-free withdrawals in retirement.
Employer match. This free money can boost your retirement savings.
Higher contribution limits. You can contribute more to a 401(k) than to an individual retirement plan (IRA).
Potential for conversions. Some plans may let high earners convert funds in their 401(k) plan into a Roth IRA through a Roth IRA conversion. This provides tax-free withdrawals in retirement and may provide more investment options.
Limited investment options. Investment choices are limited to the options provided by the plan.
Potential vesting period. Some 401(k) plans may require that you work at your employer for a certain number of years before you can be fully vested in your 401(k) plan.
Rules for early withdrawals. An early withdrawal from your 401(k) plan might incur taxes and penalties, depending on the reason.
Next steps to maximize your 401(k) plan:
» Want some help with your 401(k)? Explore our list of the best financial advisors