Get the whole match
On a $70,000 salary, 6% is $4,200 a year. A 50% match on the first 6% adds $2,100. Save only 3% and the match drops to $1,050.
What it adds up to
At 30 with $20,000 saved, 6% of pay with 2% raises and a 7% return grows to about $1,306,795 by 65. At 3%, it is about $760,164.
The 2026 limit
You can put in up to $24,500, or $32,500 at 50 and older and $35,750 at 60 to 63 if your plan allows catch-up. You and your employer together can add up to $72,000, plus your catch-up, and only the first $360,000 of pay counts. The calculator applies all three.
Source: IRS
Frequently asked questions
How much will my 401(k) be worth when I retire?
It depends on your pay, your percent, the match and the years left. In the example, 6% of a $70,000 salary from 30 to 65 reaches about $1.31 million before tax.
How do I find my employer match?
It is in your plan summary or HR portal, usually written like 50% of the first 6% of pay.
Is the result before or after tax?
Before tax for a traditional 401(k). Withdrawals are taxed as income. Qualified Roth 401(k) withdrawals are tax-free.
Does it count vesting?
No. It assumes you keep the whole match. If you leave before it vests, part of it goes back to the plan.
Are my numbers saved?
No. Nothing you type leaves this page.
Further reading
IRS: 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit to $7,500 ↗IRS: Retirement topics, catch-up contributions ↗IRS: Retirement topics, vesting ↗Educational examples, not individual financial advice.