401(k) Calculator
What will your 401(k) actually grow to?
Balance at retirement
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yours plus employer match, compounded
Your total contributions
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Inflation-adjusted balance
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in today's money
How the balance breaks down
Simplified: assumes your contribution percentage and salary stay level (real paychecks usually get raises, which this does not model) and applies the employer match every month with no cap modeled -- check your plan document for the exact match formula and any vesting schedule, since unvested employer contributions are not really yours until vested.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I actually need to retire comfortably?
It depends on your expected retirement expenses, Social Security benefit, and life expectancy -- there's no single universal number, though rules of thumb like "25x annual expenses" are a common starting point. This calculator lets you build a more specific estimate from your own numbers.Read more: 401(k) Calculator: Is Your Match Doing Enough?
What's the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA?
A 401(k) is employer-sponsored, often with an employer match, and has a higher annual contribution limit. An IRA is opened independently at a brokerage, with a lower contribution limit but typically far more investment choice. Many people contribute to both -- a 401(k) up to the employer match, then an IRA.Read more: Target-Date Funds: A Fund Inside a Fund Inside a Fee
When should I claim Social Security -- 62, 67, or 70?
Claiming at 62 gives a permanently reduced benefit; waiting until your full retirement age (typically 66-67) gives the full benefit; waiting until 70 gives the maximum benefit, growing roughly 8% per year you delay past full retirement age. The right age depends on your health, other income, and whether you need the money sooner.Read more: The 1% Fee Dressed as Professional Management
How does inflation affect my retirement savings?
Inflation erodes purchasing power both before and during retirement, so a nominal dollar figure that looks sufficient today can fall short decades from now. This calculator shows results in both nominal and inflation-adjusted terms so you're not planning around a number that quietly loses value.Read more: Social Security Estimator: Why Claiming Age Changes Everything
Estimates only, not financial advice. See our Disclaimer.
