Moneyzine
/Retirement Guides/401(k) Savings Calculator

401(k) Savings Calculator

Moneyzine Editor
Author: 
Moneyzine Editor
5 mins
December 16th, 2024
Advertiser Disclosure

This 401(k) savings calculator can help you to figure out how large your 401(k) plan might be at retirement. The calculator will predict the 401(k) fund balance at retirement age, along with the annual income you might expect from this type of account.

Roth 401k vs Traditional 401k Calculator for Excel

Roth IRA or 401k? This template will answer your questions.

With this template, you will get:

  • All DFY, simply add your details

  • Charts for comparison and clear answer

  • Easily update for any year (2023, 2024, 2025, etc…)

Calculator Definitions

The variables used in our online calculator are defined in detail below, including how to interpret the results.

Your Current Age (Years)

Expected Retirement Age (Years)

This is your expected retirement age.

Life Expectancy (Years)

This is your life expectancy when you reach your estimated retirement age. Many people mistakenly believe that life expectancies are in the range of 75 years of age. However, that figure applies only at birth. For example, at age 65, the average life expectancy is 83 years of age.

Current Amount in 401(k) Fund ($)

If you currently have a 401(k) fund, then enter the amount in that account here. If you have not yet started funding your 401(k) plan, then you can simply enter zero.

Annual Contribution to 401(k) (% of Salary)

This is how much you'd like to contribute, or are presently contributing, to your 401(k) plan, stated in terms of the percentage of your salary. By increasing or decreasing your annual contribution percentage, you can see the impact on your 401(k) fund balance at retirement.

Employer Match (% of Contribution)

Most employers will match employee contributions both to provide a benefit to employees, and to encourage participation in the company's program. If your employer matches your contribution, then enter that percentage here. If not, then enter zero.

Employer Maximum (% of Salary)

Some employers will only match up to a certain percentage of their employees' salary. If your employer has a maximum that applies to their match, then enter that amount here. If your employer does not limit their matching contributions, then enter 100%.

Expected Annual Return on 401(k) Fund (%)

This is the annual rate of return that you might expect to earn on your 401(k) funds between now and the time you retire. Once again, by increasing or decreasing the expected annual return, you can see the impact on your fund's balance.

401(k) Fund Growth Over Time ($)

This is the computed 401(k) fund growth over time, showing the fund's growth each year. This series of values takes into account your inputted growth rate, employee and employer matching, and limits your contributions to the current maximums allowed by law in 2018. For example, an employee can currently contribute up to $18,500 (2018) on a before-tax basis. At age 50, this limit increases to $24,500. This calculator uses these contribution rules when calculating the fund's growth over time.

401(k) Fund Balance at Retirement ($)

This is the money you will have saved in your 401(k) plan (at retirement age) if you continue making annual contributions to the account, the expected annual return is achieved, and your employer continues matching funds at the rate you've specified.

Annual Income from 401(k) ($ / Year)

This is the annual retirement income you might expect to receive from your 401(k) account. Keep in mind that withdrawals from 401(k) funds are taxable, and depending on how many years you are from retirement, inflation will decrease the buying power of these future dollars.


401(k) Savings Calculator


Disclaimer: These online calculators are made available and meant to be used as a screening tool for the investor. The accuracy of these calculations is not guaranteed nor is its applicability to your individual circumstances. You should always obtain personal advice from qualified professionals.

Related Content

  • What Can Help You Meet Your Budget While Shopping for Important Items?
    Budgeting while ensuring you don't compromise on quality can seem daunting. Whether filling your pantry, updating your wardrobe, or keeping up with the latest tech, smart shopping strategies are crucial for keeping your finances in check.
    April 2nd, 2024
  • How to Make a Million Dollars in 10 Years
    Truthfully, this title should actually be “How to Make a Million Dollars in 10 Years Without Going Into Debt", but that is just getting a little too winded for my liking. It’s true though!
    December 6th, 2024
  • How to Apply Maslow’s Hierarchy to Your Money This Year
    You might vaguely remember your psychology teacher talking about Maslow. He pointed at a picture of a triangle as you nodded off in the back of the school room.
    November 18th, 2024
  • How to Tackle Multiple Savings Goals
    When there’s only so much money to go around, there are often multiple savings goals competing for your money. Think of the young professional who’d like to get a more reliable car, buy a house, and save for retirement. Or consider the young family that’s saving for college, retirement, and a bigger house.
    March 22nd, 2024
  • The Countdown to Early Retirement: 10 Expenses to Eliminate
    Dreaming of waving goodbye to the daily grind five years ahead of schedule? The road to early retirement is paved with more than good intentions; it requires a meticulously crafted strategy with surprising twists. It's not solely about what you should be doing—like diligently saving a portion of your income or investing wisely—but also about what you need to stop doing.
    March 22nd, 2024

Contributors

Moneyzine Editor
The Moneyzine editorial team consists of writers and content specialists with diverse backgrounds.
Moneyzine 2024. All Rights Reserved.