401(k) Rollover Calculator

Worked example

A $100,000 balance at 7% gross for 20 years with 1.0% fees vs 0.2% fees ends higher in the lower-fee account—the difference is compounded fee savings.

When to use this

• Comparing fee impact of staying in a former employer plan versus rolling over.
• Stress-testing whether a lower expense ratio changes outcomes over 10–20 years.
• Preparing questions for a financial advisor or plan administrator.

Common mistakes

• Ignoring non-fee benefits of the workplace plan.
• Assuming an IRA always has lower total costs.
• Using an indirect rollover without planning for withholding.

How it works

Compares leaving a balance in a current 401(k) versus rolling to an IRA/new plan when the only modeled difference is annual fee percent. Gross expected return is held constant; net return = return − fees.

Limitations

Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Rollover decisions involve more than fees—confirm with a qualified professional.

Privacy and file handling

Your data stays on your device and is not uploaded.

Accuracy & methodology

This section documents how the calculator works, what it leaves out, and when results were last reviewed. Figures are educational estimates—not professional advice—and are not labeled "current" unless tied to automatically updated reference data.

Formula source or methodology

Compound balance at return − fee for stay vs rollover paths; difference = rollover − stay.

Jurisdiction

United States (educational)

Unit system

US dollars and percents

Rounding method

Currency amounts round to two decimal places (half up via Math.round × 100 / 100).

Assumptions

• Fees are the only modeled difference
• No new contributions

Known omissions

• Not tax, legal, investment, or lending advice. Confirm material decisions with qualified professionals.
• 2026 IRS contribution limits ($24,500 elective deferral; $8,000 catch-up age 50+; $11,250 catch-up age 60–63; $72,000 combined annual additions under §415(c), subject to applicable rules) — confirm plan documents; some tools enforce elective-deferral and §415(c) caps while others are estimate-only
• Employer match annual caps, true-up provisions, and vesting schedules
• Plan administrative fees and fund expense ratios unless a fee field is provided
• Inflation adjustment of future dollars (nominal dollars only unless stated)
• Income tax on withdrawals (pre-tax vs Roth treatment)
• Required minimum distributions (RMDs) and early withdrawal penalties

Test cases (automated)

• Lower destination fees produce higher ending balance

Version & last verified

Logic version 1.0. Content and formulas last verified 2026-09-12.