CM CalcMentor Calculators that explain the answer.

Financial calculator

401(k) Calculator

Estimate retirement account growth from employee contributions, employer match and investment return assumptions.

This does not enforce IRS contribution limits. Enter contribution rates and match terms from your actual plan documents.

Method

The calculator compounds monthly using annual return minus fee drag and adds monthly employee and employer contributions.

Example

With an $80,000 salary, an 8% employee contribution and a 4% employer match, annual employee contributions are $6,400 and annual employer match is $3,200 before plan limits or vesting rules.

Common mistakes

Do not assume the full employer match is immediately vested. Also check current IRS contribution limits and catch-up rules before relying on a projection.

Limitations

This is not investment, tax or retirement advice. It does not apply annual IRS limits, catch-up rules, vesting, Roth/traditional tax treatment, withdrawals or market volatility.

References

Last reviewed: 2026-05-17

Before relying on this result

Use this calculator together with the formula, assumptions, limitations and examples on the page. If the topic involves health, tax, lending, investment, legal, safety or current-rate decisions, treat the number as an estimate and check the relevant primary source or professional guidance.

Calculator metadata last reviewed: 2026-05-14.