Estimate capped employee contributions, employer matching, and a fixed-contribution 401(k) balance projection.
USD inputs · transparent calculation assumptions
Instant updates as inputs change
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USD inputs · transparent calculation assumptions
2026 base employee limit is $24,500. Adjust for applicable catch-up and plan restrictions; combined contribution caps and vesting are not enforced.
Annual employee + employer contribution$10,400.00
Capped employee contribution
$8,000.00
Employer match estimate
$2,400.00
Monthly employee contribution
$666.67
Actual employee / salary rate
10%
Projected retirement account balance
$1,651,195.16
Projected growth
$1,267,195.16
Extra employee contribution for full match
$0.00
Calculation notes
Understand the 401k contribution calculator
Employee contribution = min(eligible salary × contribution rate, entered annual limit). Employer match = min(actual employee contribution, salary × match cap) × match percentage. Project equal year-end totals forward. The calculation runs locally and keeps cash-flow timing consistent with the stated assumptions.
Formula and logic
How is a 401(k) employer match calculated after the employee limit?
Employee contribution = min(eligible salary × contribution rate, entered annual limit). Employer match = min(actual employee contribution, salary × match cap) × match percentage. Project equal year-end totals forward.
Worked example
What employer match is 50% of the first 6% on an $80,000 salary?
On $80,000 eligible pay, contributing 10% gives $8,000. A 50% employer match on the first 6% of salary matches $2,400, for a combined $10,400 annual contribution before plan-specific restrictions.
How to read the result
Is the $24,500 401(k) default valid for every age and year?
The $24,500 default is the IRS 2026 base employee limit, not a limit for all ages or future years.
Matching uses actual capped deferrals; an unrealized contribution request earns no extra match.
Limits and assumptions
Which 2026 catch-up and plan restrictions must I check for a 401(k)?
Adjust the employee limit for applicable catch-up and plan rules. IRS 2026 catch-up is generally $8,000 at age 50+, with $11,250 for ages 60–63 in eligible plans. Combined contribution and compensation caps, vesting and Roth eligibility are not enforced; future limits and salary are held constant.