Project workplace retirement balances with contribution and match assumptions.
Overview
A 401(k) plan can become the largest retirement account for many workers, but the outcome depends on more than a single return assumption. Contribution rate, employer match rules, and years invested all compound together.
This calculator helps you test realistic scenarios before annual enrollment changes. It is especially useful for checking whether you are capturing the full match and whether small deferral increases close long-term savings gaps.
Use results as planning guidance rather than guaranteed outcomes. Market returns, employment changes, plan fees, and contribution limits can all shift real-world balances over time.
Steps
Set your accumulation timeline in years.
Use your latest statement value.
Enter annual pay and employee contribution percentage.
Set match percent and cap based on your plan.
Use a conservative long-run estimate.
Compare baseline, conservative, and optimistic cases.
Math
FV = PV(1+r)^n + PMT[(1+r)^n - 1]/r, with PMT including eligible employer match
The model compounds your current balance and adds recurring contributions each period. Employer match is applied to eligible employee deferrals under your entered match structure.
Worked cases
Employee contributes $5,400; employer adds $2,700
Total annual contribution becomes $8,100 before investment growth.
Run two projections with the same return assumption
Higher deferral materially increases ending balance over long horizons.
Keep contributions fixed and vary expected return
Shows planning range and helps avoid overconfident retirement targets.
Why use this
Questions