Retirement & Planning

Individual 401(k) Savings Calculator

Use this calculator to see the benefits of an Individual 401(k) for the self-employed.

Inputs
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$
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Estimates only. Adjust any value to recalculate instantly.

Results
Solo 401(k) in 25 years $1,854,735 $655,000 contributed · $1,199,735 growth
Total contributions $655,000
Investment growth $1,199,735
Projected balance $1,854,735
Annual contribution $25,000
Contributions vs growth
Contributions vs growth Contributions: $655kGrowth: $1.2M
  • Contributions $655k
  • Growth $1.2M

A solo 401(k) suits self-employed people with no employees. You contribute as the “employee” (up to the elective limit) and as the “employer” (up to 25% of compensation), allowing much larger contributions than an IRA.

Projected balance by yearView table
YearBalance
1$58,850
2$89,720
3$122,750
4$158,092
5$195,909
6$236,372
7$279,669
8$325,995
9$375,565
10$428,605
11$485,357
12$546,082
13$611,058
14$680,582
15$754,972
16$834,570
17$919,740
18$1,010,872
19$1,108,383
20$1,212,720
21$1,324,360
22$1,443,816
23$1,571,633
24$1,708,397
25$1,854,735

How the individual 401(k) savings calculator works

It compounds your current solo 401(k) balance plus annual contributions — which combine your employee deferral and employer profit-sharing — at your expected return to your retirement date.

Worked example

Worked example: with current balance of $30,000, annual contribution (employee + employer) of $25,000 and years to retirement of 25, the individual 401(k) savings calculator shows solo 401(k) in 25 years of $1,854,735.

Total contributions
$655,000
Investment growth
$1,199,735
Projected balance
$1,854,735
Annual contribution
$25,000

The formula

Each year: balance = (balance + annual contribution) × (1 + return), summed to retirement.

Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Confirm exact figures with your lender, plan administrator or advisor.

Frequently asked

Questions about the individual 401(k) savings calculator

What is a solo or individual 401(k)?

A 401(k) for self-employed people with no employees (other than a spouse). You contribute as both employee and employer, allowing larger contributions than most other plans.

How much can I contribute to a solo 401(k)?

The employee elective deferral plus an employer contribution of up to 25% of compensation, subject to an overall annual limit — often well above what an IRA or SEP allows.

Can my spouse participate?

Yes — a spouse earning income from the business can also contribute, effectively doubling the household’s solo 401(k) savings capacity.

Is the Individual 401(k) Savings Calculator free to use?

Yes. Every calculator on FinCalculators is completely free, with no sign-up, login or paywall. You can run as many scenarios as you like.