Free 401(k) Calculator — Your Employer Match Is an Instant Return

Last updated: April 17, 2026

MoneyMath's 401(k) calculator treats employer match as an immediate return, models 2026 contribution limits and catch-up rules, and compares current contribution, full-match, and IRS-max scenarios.

Free to useRuns in your browserSource-backed assumptions

Free 401(k) calculator reframing employer match as an instant return. See the cost of not maxing your match, compare contribution levels, and Roth vs Traditional at your actual tax rate.

Use the 401(k) Calculator to compare realistic scenarios before making a money, health, or planning decision.

Adjust the inputs and review the result breakdown so you can see which assumptions matter most.

How to use this calculator

Step 1Enter your starting information. Add the core inputs requested by the 401(k) Calculator, such as amounts, dates, rates, income, weight, or other scenario details.
Step 2Review the calculated result. Read the headline answer first, then scan the supporting breakdown, chart, or comparison table.
Step 3Compare another scenario. Change one input at a time to understand what drives the result and which option is most realistic.

Formula, Sources & Assumptions

Formula

Projected balance grows current balance, employee contributions, employer match, salary growth, and investment return through retirement age.

Assumptions

Employee deferral limits use 2026 IRS limits, including age 50+ and age 60-63 catch-up rules.
Future IRS limits are held constant for projection simplicity.
Investment returns are hypothetical and not guaranteed.

Sources

IRS 2026 retirement plan limits401(k), IRA, and catch-up contribution limits.
IRS 2026 tax inflation adjustmentsFederal brackets, standard deduction, and indexed tax items.