MoneyFree, ad-light financial calculators for India, the US and the Gulf – each with the formula, a worked example and a quick-reference table.
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement from your contributions, employer match and expected returns.
Formula
Each year: contribution = salary × (your % + employer match %); balance = (balance + contribution) × (1 + return). Salary grows by the growth rate each year.
Worked example
A $90,000 salary, 10% employee + 4% employer, $50,000 starting balance, 7% return, 3% raises, 25 years to go: projected balance ≈ $1.42 million (about $780,000 of it investment growth).
Quick reference
| Salary | 20 yr | 30 yr |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $430,000 | $960,000 |
| $90,000 | $650,000 | $1.44 M |
| $150,000 | $1.08 M | $2.40 M |
10% + 4% match, 7% return, 3% raises, $0 start.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At a minimum, contribute enough to get the full employer match - that is an immediate 100% return on those dollars. Many advisers suggest 10-15% of salary including the match for a comfortable retirement.
What is the 401(k) contribution limit?
For 2025 the employee deferral limit is $23,500, with an extra $7,500 catch-up for those 50 and older. Employer contributions are on top of that, up to a combined limit.