401(k) Growth Calculator
Project what your 401(k) could be worth at retirement. Enter your current balance, salary, contribution rate, and employer match, and the calculator compounds annual contributions at your assumed return. The 2026 employee contribution limit is $24,500 ($8,000 catch-up at 50+).
Note: your contribution exceeds the 2026 employee limit of $24,500; the projection caps it at that limit.
| Projected balance | $0 |
| Total you contributed | $0 |
| Total employer match | $0 |
| Investment growth | $0 |
Uses the 2026 IRS employee deferral limit of $24,500. Assumes contributions are made annually, returns compound once per year, and salary stays constant. Estimates only, not investment advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
The employee elective deferral limit is $24,500 for 2026, up from $23,500 in 2025. Combined employee and employer contributions are capped at $72,000.
How much can I contribute if I am 50 or older?
Workers age 50 and up can add a catch-up contribution of $8,000 in 2026, on top of the $24,500 base limit. If you turn 60 through 63 during the year and your plan allows it, a larger catch-up of $11,250 replaces the standard one.
Does the employer match count against my limit?
No. Your employer's match does not reduce your $24,500 employee limit. Match dollars count only toward the overall $72,000 cap on total annual additions.
What return rate should I assume?
Long-run diversified stock portfolios have historically averaged around 7% to 10% per year before inflation, but there are no guarantees. Many planners model 5% to 7% to stay conservative. Try a few rates to see the range of outcomes.