401k Calculator

Calculate your 401k retirement savings with employer matching, tax benefits, and detailed projections. Plan your retirement with confidence and maximize your employer's contribution.

401k Parameters

Current Situation

years
years
$
$

Contribution Settings

%

Of your annual salary

%

Employer matches up to this %

%

You must contribute this % to get full match

%

Investment & Tax Settings

%
%
%
%

Retirement Summary

Enter your 401k details to see retirement projections and tax benefits

401k Planning Guide

Contribution Limits (2025)

Employee Contribution

$23,000 maximum annual contribution for those under 50

Catch-up Contribution

Additional $7,500 for those 50 and older (total $30,500)

Total Contribution Limit

$69,000 combined employee + employer contributions (under 50)

Employer Matching Strategies

50% match up to 6% Common
100% match up to 3% Generous
25% match up to 8% Conservative
Dollar-for-dollar to 4% Excellent

💡 401k Optimization Tips

Maximize Free Money:

  • • Always contribute enough to get full employer match
  • • Employer match is 100% immediate return
  • • Increase contributions with salary raises
  • • Consider automatic escalation programs

Tax Strategies:

  • • Traditional 401k reduces current taxes
  • • Roth 401k provides tax-free retirement income
  • • Consider your current vs future tax rates
  • • Diversify with both traditional and Roth

⚠️ Important Considerations

Withdrawal Rules:

  • • 10% penalty for early withdrawal before 59½
  • • Required minimum distributions start at 73
  • • Limited hardship withdrawal options
  • • Consider loan options vs withdrawal

Investment Risk:

  • • Market volatility affects account value
  • • Diversification is essential
  • • Review and rebalance regularly
  • • Consider target-date funds for simplicity