401(k) & RRSP Retirement Savings Calculator
Estimate how a US 401(k) or Canadian RRSP could grow by retirement, including your own contributions, employer match, tax savings, and a simple 4% income estimate.
Catch-up rule: Age 50+ savers can typically make extra 401(k) catch-up contributions on top of the standard annual limit.
Employer match here is estimated as 50.0% of contributions up to 6.0% of salary.
Projected Balance at Retirement
$1,817,786
Total Contributions
$360,000
Total Employer Match
$81,000
Total Investment Growth
$1,326,786
Tax Savings from Contributions
$86,400
About $2,880 per year at your current tax rate.
Effective Monthly Income in Retirement
$4,969
$6,059 before estimated retirement taxes using the 4% rule.
Projection Summary
30 year 401(k) growth estimate from age 35 to 65.
Employee contribution used
$12,000/yr
Employer match used
$2,700/yr
Combined annual deposit
$14,700/yr
Year-by-Year Projection
Estimated annual contributions, employer match, growth, and ending balance.
| Age | Starting Balance | Your Contribution | Employer Match | Growth | Ending Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | $50,000 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $4,015 | $68,715 |
| 37 | $68,715 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $5,325 | $88,739 |
| 38 | $88,739 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $6,726 | $110,165 |
| 39 | $110,165 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $8,226 | $133,091 |
| 40 | $133,091 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $9,831 | $157,622 |
| 41 | $157,622 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $11,548 | $183,870 |
| 42 | $183,870 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $13,385 | $211,956 |
| 43 | $211,956 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $15,351 | $242,007 |
| 44 | $242,007 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $17,455 | $274,162 |
| 45 | $274,162 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $19,706 | $308,568 |
| 46 | $308,568 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $22,114 | $345,382 |
| 47 | $345,382 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $24,691 | $384,773 |
| 48 | $384,773 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $27,449 | $426,922 |
| 49 | $426,922 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $30,399 | $472,021 |
| 50 | $472,021 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $33,556 | $520,277 |
| 51 | $520,277 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $36,934 | $571,911 |
| 52 | $571,911 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $40,548 | $627,159 |
| 53 | $627,159 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $44,416 | $686,275 |
| 54 | $686,275 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $48,554 | $749,529 |
| 55 | $749,529 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $52,982 | $817,210 |
| 56 | $817,210 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $57,719 | $889,629 |
| 57 | $889,629 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $62,789 | $967,118 |
| 58 | $967,118 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $68,213 | $1,050,031 |
| 59 | $1,050,031 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $74,017 | $1,138,747 |
| 60 | $1,138,747 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $80,227 | $1,233,674 |
| 61 | $1,233,674 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $86,872 | $1,335,246 |
| 62 | $1,335,246 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $93,982 | $1,443,928 |
| 63 | $1,443,928 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $101,589 | $1,560,217 |
| 64 | $1,560,217 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $109,730 | $1,684,647 |
| 65 | $1,684,647 | $12,000 | $2,700 | $118,440 | $1,817,786 |
How to Use
- Choose whether you want to model a US 401(k) or a Canadian RRSP.
- Enter your current age, retirement age, current balance, annual contribution, salary, expected return, and tax brackets.
- If you have a workplace plan match, add the employer match percentage and the salary percentage it applies to.
- Review the projected balance, contribution totals, tax savings, estimated retirement income, and year-by-year growth table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 401(k) and an RRSP?
A 401(k) is a US employer-sponsored retirement account that may include employer matching contributions. An RRSP is a Canadian registered retirement savings plan that offers tax-deductible contributions and contribution room based largely on earned income.
How does employer match work in a 401(k)?
Many employers match part of your 401(k) contribution up to a limit, such as 50% of contributions up to 6% of salary. That means free retirement money if you contribute enough to capture the full match. This calculator estimates that match based on the percentages you enter.
Why do 401(k) and RRSP contributions create tax savings?
Traditional 401(k) and RRSP contributions are generally made with pre-tax income or are tax deductible, which can lower your taxable income today. The calculator estimates this immediate tax benefit using your current tax bracket.
What is the 4% rule for retirement income?
The 4% rule is a common planning shortcut that estimates you may be able to withdraw about 4% of your retirement portfolio per year. It is not a guarantee, but it is useful for rough income planning.
Does this calculator account for official contribution limits?
It includes a practical RRSP income-based cap of 18% of salary in the projection and shows a catch-up note for 401(k) savers age 50 and older. It is still a planning tool, so confirm exact annual limits and tax rules with current IRS or CRA guidance.