401(k) Employer Match Calculator
Estimate how much money will flow into your 401(k) this year from both you and your employer. Provide your salary, personal contribution rate, and match terms to see the total annual contribution—essential for maximizing free retirement dollars.
Estimates contributions; plan rules may vary.
Examples
- $60,000 salary with 6% employee contribution and 50% match up to 6% ⇒ $5,400 total annual contribution
- $85,000 salary with 10% contribution and 100% match up to 4% ⇒ $12,750 total annual contribution
- $40,000 salary with 3% contribution and 50% match up to 3% ⇒ $1,800 total annual contribution
FAQ
What if my contribution exceeds the match limit?
Your contributions above the limit still grow tax-advantaged, but the employer stops matching once you hit the cap.
Does this include investment growth?
No. This calculator only totals contributions; future growth depends on your investment choices and market performance.
Are IRS contribution caps considered?
Not automatically. Compare the result with the current IRS annual limit to ensure you remain within the rules.
How do catch-up contributions work?
If you're age 50 or older, you can defer an extra $7,500 (2024). Employer match rules stay the same, but the added employee deferral boosts your total savings.
Can I model Roth vs. traditional contributions?
Yes. The employer match always goes into a pre-tax account, but you can run separate scenarios by adjusting your contribution percentage for Roth or traditional deferrals.
Additional Information
- Employer match dollars are essentially free money—contribute at least enough to capture the full match if possible.
- Employee deferrals plus employer contributions cannot exceed annual IRS limits ($69,000 for most savers in 2024, or $76,500 with catch-up).
- Matching formulas vary by company; check plan documents for vesting schedules and eligibility requirements.