401(k) Calculator — How Much Will You Have at Retirement?

At minimum, contribute enough to get your full employer match — this is an immediate 50–100% return on your money. Beyond that, financial advisors typically recommend saving 15% of your gross income for retirement (including employer match). If you can't hit 15% now, start with the match and increase by 1% each year.

The 4% rule suggests withdrawing 4% of your retirement portfolio annually, which historically has allowed portfolios to last 30+ years. It means you need roughly 25× your annual expenses saved. For example, if you need $60,000/year, you'd need $1.5M saved. This calculator uses the 4% rule to show estimated monthly income.

Traditional 401(k): contributions are pre-tax (you pay taxes when you withdraw in retirement). Roth 401(k): contributions are after-tax (withdrawals in retirement are tax-free). Generally: if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, Roth wins. If you expect a lower bracket in retirement, Traditional wins. Many financial planners recommend diversifying between both.

You have four options: leave it with your old employer, roll it into your new employer's plan, roll it into an IRA, or cash it out (not recommended — you'll owe income tax plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty if under 59½). Rolling into an IRA typically gives you the most investment options and lowest fees.