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401(k) Contribution Calculator

Maximize your 401(k) โ€” see your tax savings, employer match, and whether you're leaving free money on the table.

2024 IRS Limits: Employee contribution limit $23,000 ($30,500 if age 50+). Total contribution limit (employee + employer) $69,000.
e.g. 100 = dollar-for-dollar
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Annual Employee Contribution
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Employer Match
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Total Annual Contribution
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Tax Savings (Traditional)
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Take-Home Pay Reduction
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Effective Contribution Rate
Traditional vs. Roth โ€” Side-by-Side Comparison

Traditional 401(k)

Contributionโ€”
Tax Savings Nowโ€”
Net Cost (take-home)โ€”
Taxed on withdrawal?Yes
Good for...Higher bracket now

Roth 401(k)

Contributionโ€”
Tax Savings Now$0
Net Cost (take-home)โ€”
Taxed on withdrawal?No
Good for...Lower bracket now

Don't Leave the Match on the Table

Employer matching is an immediate 50%โ€“100% return on your money โ€” nothing in the market can reliably beat it. Always contribute at least enough to capture the full match before maxing out other accounts. A common match is "100% up to 3% of salary" โ€” meaning you must contribute 3% to get a free 3%.

Traditional vs. Roth: Which Is Better?

If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, Roth wins โ€” you pay taxes at today's lower rate and withdrawals are tax-free. If you expect a lower bracket in retirement, Traditional wins โ€” you defer taxes now at a higher rate. Most advisors suggest spreading across both for "tax diversification."

2024 Contribution Limits

Employee limit: $23,000 (under 50) or $30,500 (50+, with $7,500 catch-up). Total limit including employer contributions: $69,000. These limits typically increase by ~$500 per year with inflation adjustments.