401(k) vs Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA: 2026 Limits and How to Choose
The 2026 contribution limits, how traditional and Roth tax treatment differ, and a simple order for funding your retirement accounts.
Read the guide401(k) / IRA Calculator
Project retirement savings with your own monthly contributions and an employer match.
Projected balance$0Long-term value based on the assumptions above
Total contributions$0
Estimated growth$0
Average monthly invested$0
Growth share0%
Retirement insights
| Year | Balance | Contributions | Growth |
|---|
Projecting your retirement savings
This calculator projects a 401(k) or IRA balance from your current savings, your monthly contribution, any employer match and an assumed annual return, compounded monthly. It shows how much of the final balance comes from your contributions and how much from investment growth.
The projection is in future dollars and does not deduct fees or taxes. Use a conservative return and compare a few scenarios rather than relying on one number.
Worked example with the default values
Starting with $25,000, contributing $600 a month with a $250 monthly employer match, at a 7% annual return for 25 years:
- Projected balance: about $831,700
- Total paid in (including the starting balance): $280,000
- Investment growth: about $551,700, roughly two-thirds of the final balance
Without the employer match the balance would be about $629,200, so the match adds over $200,000. Adding another $100 a month raises the projection by about $81,000.
2026 contribution limits
- 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans: $24,500 a year in employee contributions.
- Catch-up from age 50: an extra $8,000 (ages 60 to 63: $11,250 instead).
- IRA: $7,500 a year in total across traditional and Roth IRAs, plus $1,100 from age 50.
- Roth IRA contributions phase out between $153,000 and $168,000 of income for single filers.
Want the full explanation? Read our guide: 401(k) vs Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA: 2026 Limits and How to Choose.
How to use the 401(k) / IRA Calculator
- Enter current balance, annual contribution, expected return, and years to invest.
- Test employer match or contribution increases if relevant.
- Use the projected balance to judge whether your current saving rate matches your retirement target.
Retirement contribution growth formula
Future value = growth on current balance + growth on recurring contributions over time
- Current balance: Starting retirement savings
- Contribution: Amount added each period
- Return: Expected annual growth rate
This helps show how recurring contributions and time work together in retirement accounts.
Quick planning notes for the 401(k) / IRA Calculator
Retirement savings projection with employer match assumptions. Start with a realistic baseline, then change one input at a time to see how the result moves. That makes it easier to compare scenarios and spot the trade-offs that matter most.
Retirement planning notes
- Use multiple return assumptions instead of relying on a single optimistic growth rate.
- Increase contributions gradually to see how small monthly changes affect the final balance.
- Pair this estimate with salary and tax planning tools to judge how sustainable your contributions are.
Keep in mind
These results are designed for educational planning. Real-world figures can change based on official rates, lender fees, tax treatment, insurance, and personal circumstances.
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Frequently asked questions
What return should I assume?
Test more than one. Many people use 5% to 7% a year for a diversified, stock-heavy portfolio, and less for a mix with more bonds. Returns are never guaranteed.
Is the result adjusted for inflation?
No. To see the result in today’s money, use a return about 2 to 3 points lower than your nominal assumption.
How do I find my employer match?
Check your plan documents or benefits portal. A common formula is 50% of what you contribute, up to 6% of salary.
Traditional or Roth?
Traditional gives a tax break now and is taxed later; Roth is taxed now and grows tax-free. Roth tends to suit lower tax brackets today.
Guides on this topic
Plain-English explanations to help you read the result above.
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