401k Calculator
Project your 401(k) balance at retirement with contributions, employer match and expected returns. Free and instant.
Match as a % of your contribution.
Grows your contribution each year.
Balance at retirement
₹3,78,74,799
Growth
₹3,24,74,799
Over 360 months
Your contributions
₹36,00,000
Employer match
₹18,00,000
401(k)s are US employer retirement plans. Growth is assumed to compound monthly; the projection is an estimate, not a guarantee. Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income in the US.
Last updated: July 2026
How this calculator is verified
Checked by True Calculator automated test suite on
- Formula verified against a published worked example in the automated test suite
- Edge cases (zero, negative, boundary and unit-mismatch inputs) covered by unit tests
The full verification method is on our how we verify page. Found an error? Tell us and we will re-check it.
When to Use This Calculator
Use this calculator when you are a US-based or returning Indian with a 401(k) and want to know whether your current contribution level is on track for the retirement you picture. It also helps compare scenarios — adding more per month, capturing a higher match, or working a few extra years — side by side, so you can see the rupee impact of each choice before making it. Because the projection runs for decades, small input changes produce large output differences, which makes the tool a useful motivator to increase savings early. The results are planning estimates only: actual balances depend on market returns, fees inside your plan, and how faithfully you keep contributing. Pair the result with India-side retirement planning tools, like the NPS or EPF projections, if you plan to return to India and retire there.
How to Use This Calculator
- Step 1: Enter your current age and the age you plan to retire — the difference sets the number of months the projection runs.
- Step 2: Add your current 401(k) balance, the amount you contribute each month, and your employer's match percentage.
- Step 3: Choose an expected annual return. Historically, diversified US equity-heavy portfolios have returned around 8–10%, so 6–8% is a conservative planning figure.
- Step 4: Optionally set an annual salary increase percentage, then read the balance at retirement, growth, and the employer-match card.
Worked Example
Priya, 30, has ₹2,00,000 in her 401(k) and contributes ₹10,000 monthly while her US employer matches 50%. Assuming 10% annual returns and no salary raises, the projection to age 60 shows her balance reaching about ₹3.79 crore — over 30 years her own ₹36 lakh in contributions plus ₹18 lakh of employer match grows into roughly ₹3.25 crore of market growth. Skipping the match by contributing less would leave a noticeably smaller corpus at retirement.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- •Tip 1: Never leave employer match money on the table — it is free money that compounds for decades.
- •Tip 2: Increase contributions by 1% each time you get a raise; small annual bumps create a much larger corpus.
- •Tip 3: Check your plan's investment choices annually and rebalance rather than setting the allocation once and forgetting it.
- ✗Mistake 1: Avoid withdrawing early — US penalties and income tax can erase a decade of growth.
- ✗Mistake 2: Avoid investing your whole 401(k) in one stock or sector; diversification matters more the longer the horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 401(k) and who can use this calculator?
A 401(k) is a US employer-sponsored retirement plan where contributions come out of salary, often with an employer match. This calculator is relevant for Indians who have worked or currently work in the US, or who are planning US employment. The closest Indian equivalents are the EPF (employer + employee contribution) and NPS.
How does the employer match work here?
The match is modelled as a percentage of your own monthly contribution, credited every month. For example, a 50% match on a ₹10,000 monthly contribution adds ₹5,000 per month. Real US employers typically cap matches, such as 50% of contributions up to 6% of salary — check your plan's summary for the actual cap.
What return should I assume?
Long-run US equity market returns have averaged around 8–10% before inflation over multi-decade periods, but individual years vary widely. A conservative 6–7% is common for planning. Whatever you choose, remember the projection is an estimate — the account will not grow at a fixed rate.
How are 401(k) withdrawals taxed?
Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax, so withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income in the US, and a 10% penalty applies before age 59½. If you return to India, US retirement plans also have specific reporting requirements under Indian tax law — consult a tax advisor familiar with both systems.
What is the annual 401(k) contribution limit?
The US employee contribution limit is set by the IRS each year (around US$23,000 plus a catch-up for those 50 and older in recent years), excluding employer match. This calculator does not enforce US limits — use it to model your own contribution level.
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