Methodology & Sources
This calculator projects your 401(k) balance year by year. Each year: employee contribution = salary × contribution %, capped at the IRS elective deferral limit (with catch-up from age 50). Employer match = (salary × match cap %) × match %, capped so total additions do not exceed the IRS combined limit. Year-end balance = prior balance × (1 + return) + contributions × (1 + return ÷ 2), which approximates mid-year contribution timing. Salary grows at the chosen annual rate.
IRS limits hard-coded for 2026: $23,500 employee elective deferral, $7,500 catch-up (age 50+), $70,000 total additions cap. These are refreshed every January against the official IRS notice.
Last verified: May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
The IRS sets the 2026 employee elective deferral limit at $23,500. If you are 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $7,500 catch-up, for a total of $31,000. The combined employee + employer limit is $70,000 ($77,500 with catch-up).
Should I always contribute enough to get the full employer match?
Almost always yes. An employer match is a guaranteed 50% to 100% return on the contribution dollars that qualify — no investment in the world reliably beats that. Contribute at least up to the match cap before allocating money elsewhere.
What's a realistic 401(k) growth rate?
The S&P 500 has returned roughly 10% per year nominally and 7% real (after inflation) over the long run. 6 to 8 percent is the standard planning assumption. This calculator defaults to 7%.
Is a 401(k) better than a Roth IRA?
They serve different roles. A 401(k) gives you the tax deduction now and a higher contribution limit; a Roth IRA gives you tax-free withdrawals later but caps at $7,000 a year. Most planners recommend: contribute to the 401(k) up to the match → max the Roth IRA → return to the 401(k).
Can I use this calculator if I'm self-employed?
Solo 401(k) plans follow the same employee deferral limit ($23,500) but you can also contribute as the employer up to 25% of net self-employment income, capped at the $70,000 total. Set the employer match cap to match your planned employer-side contribution.