401(k) / Retirement Projector

A common benchmark is the 25x rule: multiply your expected annual retirement spending by 25 to get your target portfolio balance. This is derived from the 4% rule withdrawing 4% of your portfolio per year has historically sustained a 30-year retirement. If your projected balance at retirement exceeds 25x your expected expenses, you're on track. If there's a shortfall, the calculator shows you the gap so you can decide whether to contribute more, retire later, or expect to spend less.

Employer matching is free money added to your retirement account based on your contribution. A common match is 100% of your contributions up to 4% of your salary meaning if you earn $75,000 and contribute 4% ($3,000), your employer also adds $3,000, for a total of $6,000 contributed that year. This calculator accepts a match percentage and a match limit (as a % of salary) to model the exact dollar value of your employer's contributions over your career.

The 4% rule is a guideline developed from historical market data suggesting that retirees can withdraw 4% of their portfolio in year one and increase withdrawals with inflation each year, with a high probability of not running out of money over a 30-year retirement. It's based on research by William Bengen using US stock and bond returns. The rule works best as a planning benchmark actual withdrawal strategy in retirement depends on market conditions, portfolio allocation, and personal spending flexibility.

The inflation-adjusted balance (also called the 'real' balance or 'today's dollars' balance) shows what your projected retirement savings would be worth in terms of current purchasing power. A projected balance of $1.5 million in 35 years is not the same as $1.5 million today inflation at 2.5% per year means that $1.5 million in 35 years buys roughly what $600,000 buys today. The inflation-adjusted figure lets you compare your projected outcome against today's cost of living.

At minimum, contribute enough to capture your full employer match that's a guaranteed 50–100% return on those dollars. Beyond the match, a common target is 15% of gross income toward retirement (including the employer match). The 2025 401(k) contribution limit is $23,500 for employees under 50, with a $7,500 catch-up contribution allowed for those 50 and older. If you can't reach 15% immediately, increase your contribution rate by 1% per year until you get there.