A clearer way to understand your 401(k)

Our mission

Employer matching can be difficult to understand because plan rules, IRS limits, and individual circumstances can all change. We built 401kcalc.app to make the assumptions behind a projection visible and easier to test. The goal is not to replace a plan administrator or financial professional; it is to help you ask better questions and understand the mechanics of a retirement plan.

What you can explore

The calculator can help you model an employer match formula, the contribution rate needed to capture the full match, annual salary increases, catch-up contributions, Traditional versus Roth treatment, inflation, and projected retirement balances. You can compare scenarios, share a scenario URL, and export a year-by-year schedule for your own planning.

Every projection depends on the inputs and assumptions you provide. Treat the results as educational estimates and verify plan-specific rules and current tax guidance before making decisions.

Our approach

We favor plain-language explanations and visible assumptions over opaque recommendations. The calculator shows how monthly contributions, employer matching, investment returns, inflation, and taxes interact over time. Our methodology is intended to help you understand the model rather than present a guaranteed outcome.

401kcalc.app does not manage money, recommend a specific investment, provide individualized tax advice, or guarantee future performance. Retirement investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

Independent educational resource

401kcalc.app is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or operated by Fidelity, Bankrate, the IRS, any employer, or any retirement plan administrator. References to those organizations are for educational comparison and do not imply a relationship.