A worked example
A 30-year-old earning $70,000, contributing 10% of salary, with an employer matching 50% up to 6% of salary, at a 7% annual return, projects to roughly $1.6 million by age 65. Of that, about $245,000came from the employee's own contributions and $73,500 from employer match — the rest, well over a million dollars, is investment growth.
Frequently asked questions
What's the 2026 401(k) contribution limit?
$24,500 for employees under 50 in 2026, per the IRS. Those 50 and over can add an $8,000 catch-up ($32,500 total), and those aged 60-63 get a higher $11,250 catch-up under SECURE 2.0 ($35,750 total). This calculator applies these limits automatically if your contribution rate would otherwise exceed them.
Why does the employer match have two settings?
Most plans match a percentage of what you contribute, up to a cap expressed as a percentage of salary — for example, '50% of your contribution, up to 6% of salary.' Both numbers matter: contributing less than the cap leaves part of the match unclaimed, while contributing more than the cap doesn't earn extra match.
Should I contribute more than my employer match cap?
Often yes, once you're capturing the full match — a 401(k) still grows tax-deferred even past the matched portion, and for many people it's still one of the more efficient ways to save once an IRA is also maxed out.
Does this account for vesting schedules?
No — some employers require a number of years of service before employer match contributions are fully yours. This projection assumes the full match is retained; check your plan's vesting schedule if you might leave before it fully vests.
This calculator provides estimates for general informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Contribution limits reflect 2026 IRS figures and are subject to change in future years. Actual investment returns are not guaranteed.