Cernarus

401(k) Calculator

This calculator projects the future value of a 401(k) using your current balance, regular contributions, employer match, and an expected annual return. It supports multiple planning modes: a standard projection, a target-income planner, and an early-withdrawal impact estimator.

Results are model-based estimates to help with planning and do not guarantee investment performance. Use conservative assumptions and consult a licensed financial or tax professional for personalized advice.

Updated Nov 18, 2025

Project account balance at retirement using periodic contributions, employer match, compounding returns and inflation adjustment.

Inputs

Advanced inputs

Standard projection inputs

Target-income planner inputs

Early withdrawal inputs

Results

Updates as you type

Projected balance at retirement

$1,317,845.64

Estimated first-year withdrawable income (nominal)

$52,713.83

Inflation-adjusted withdrawable income (today's dollars)

$25,130.93

OutputValueUnit
Projected balance at retirement$1,317,845.64USD
Estimated first-year withdrawable income (nominal)$52,713.83USD
Inflation-adjusted withdrawable income (today's dollars)$25,130.93USD
Primary result$1,317,845.64

Visualization

Methodology

We compound contributions at a periodic rate derived from the annual expected return and the chosen contribution frequency. Employer match is estimated as an annual percent of salary and added on each contribution period.

The tool uses standard future value formulas for lump sums and annuities. For withdrawal estimates it multiplies the projected balance by a user-selected withdrawal rate to estimate first-year income. Early-withdrawal estimates calculate likely tax and penalty amounts using user-provided tax and penalty rates.

Worked examples

Example: Age 35, $25,000 balance, $10,000 annual contribution, 6.5% return, retire at 65 → projected balance is the sum of compounded current balance plus compounded future contributions (including employer match).

Target-income example: If you want $40,000/year and use a 4% withdrawal rate, required balance = $40,000 / 0.04 = $1,000,000. The tool compares that to your projected balance.

Key takeaways

This advanced calculator supports multiple planning modes and helps estimate projected 401(k) balances, required savings for target income, and the cost of early withdrawals.

Inputs should reflect your best current estimates. Results are modeling outputs, not guarantees. Always verify plan-specific rules (employer match formula, contribution limits) and consult professionals for legal, tax, or investment decisions.

Further resources

Expert Q&A

Is this a substitute for professional financial or tax advice?

No. This calculator provides estimates only and is not tailored financial or tax advice. Consult a qualified advisor for decisions impacting your retirement and taxes.

How should I choose the expected return and inflation assumptions?

Use long-term, realistic assumptions based on diversified portfolio expectations. Consider using conservative assumptions for planning. Historical returns are not predictive of future returns.

Does this tool account for taxes on withdrawals?

You can provide an estimated marginal tax rate for early withdrawal scenarios. The standard projection does not model future taxes on distributions; adjust assumptions or consult a tax advisor to estimate post-tax income.

How are employer matches treated?

Employer match is estimated as a percent of salary and prorated per contribution period. If your plan uses a different formula (e.g., dollar-for-dollar up to a percent of your contribution), adjust the employer match fields to approximate the actual policy.

Sources & citations