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401(k) vs Debt Payoff Calculator

Enter the extra monthly amount, timeline, debt APR, expected 401(k) return, employer match, and your marginal tax rate. Estimates the after-tax future value of each path.

Extra monthly amount ($)

Years

Debt APR (%)

Expected 401(k) return (%/yr)

Employer match (% of contribution)

Marginal tax rate at withdrawal (%)

401(k) balance (pre-tax)

$190177

401(k) after-tax value

$144535

Debt payoff future value*

$414235

401(k) advantage

$-269700

Estimate only — not an offer or approval decision

Assumptions used

Employer match is treated as an immediate, riskless return on contribution.
401(k) grows tax-deferred; withdrawal taxed at your entered marginal rate.
Debt payoff assumes the payment would otherwise remain invested at the debt APR — a proxy for the guaranteed return of eliminating that interest.
Constant monthly contribution, constant return, and constant APR over the horizon.

Not included in this estimate

Roth vs Traditional treatment differences
Investment fees, sequence-of-returns risk, or market drawdowns
Early-withdrawal penalties before age 59½
Debt minimum payments and utilization impact on credit score
State income taxes

Real rates, payments, and eligibility depend on the lender or issuer, your credit profile, and current market conditions. Verify current terms directly with the provider before making a financial decision.