401(k) Calculator with Employer Match

Project your 401(k) at retirement, see exactly what your employer match is worth, and make sure you're capturing every dollar of free money.

How a 401(k) Employer Match Works

An employer match is the closest thing to free money in personal finance. Your company contributes to your 401(k) based on what you put in, usually expressed as a formula like "50% of the first 6% of salary." That means if you contribute at least 6% of your pay, your employer adds another 3% on top — an instant 50% return on those dollars before the market does anything. This free 401(k) calculator with employer match shows exactly how much that's worth over your career.

The single most important rule of thumb: always contribute at least enough to capture the full match. Skipping it is equivalent to declining a raise. The calculator flags whether your current contribution rate captures everything your employer offers.

2026 401(k) Contribution Limits

For 2026, the IRS employee contribution limit is approximately ¤24,500, with an additional catch-up contribution allowed for workers age 50 and older. Importantly, employer matching contributions do not count toward your employee limit — the match is on top of what you can contribute yourself. Limits are adjusted for inflation annually, so check the current figure each year.

How to Use This 401(k) Calculator

1. Enter your salary and current 401(k) balance.

2. Set your contribution percentage — the share of your paycheck you direct into the 401(k).

3. Enter your match formula. "Match rate" is how much the employer matches (e.g. 50% or 100%), and "match limit" is the cap as a percentage of your pay (e.g. up to 6%).

4. Choose years to retirement and a return. Use ~7% for an inflation-adjusted result or ~10% for a nominal projection based on the long-run stock market average.

Match First, Then Optimize the Order

Once you're capturing the full employer match, the next dollars don't automatically belong in the 401(k). Many savers follow a priority order: capture the full 401(k) match, then fund an HSA (if eligible), then a Roth IRA, then return to max out the 401(k). The best sequence depends on your tax bracket and the quality and fees of your plan. Our guide to investment accounts lays out the full priority order, and Roth vs. Traditional helps you choose the right tax treatment.

Why Compounding Makes the Match So Valuable

The employer match isn't just free money once — it's free money that compounds for decades. A $2,100 annual match invested at 7% for 30 years grows to nearly $200,000 on its own. That's the power of compound interest working on dollars you never had to earn. The chart above shows how the gap between contributions and balance widens as growth takes over.

Limitations and Assumptions

This calculator assumes a constant salary, contribution rate, and rate of return, and a simple match formula. Real salaries rise (which increases both your contributions and your match), markets are volatile, and vesting schedules may delay when employer contributions become fully yours. Treat the projection as a planning baseline. This is an educational tool, not financial or tax advice.

401(k) Calculator FAQ

How does a 401(k) employer match work?

Your company contributes to your 401(k) based on what you contribute. A common formula is "50% of the first 6% of salary" — contribute at least 6% and the employer adds 3%. It's free money and an immediate return, so contribute at least enough to capture the full match.

How much can I contribute to a 401(k) in 2026?

For 2026, the employee contribution limit is about ¤24,500, with an additional catch-up contribution for those age 50 and older. Employer match does not count toward this limit.

How much will my 401(k) be worth at retirement?

It depends on your contributions, match, years invested, and return. Contributing 10% of a $70,000 salary with a 50%-of-6% match at 7% for 30 years grows to roughly $800,000–$900,000. Use the calculator above for your own numbers.

Should I max out my 401(k) or just get the match?

At minimum, contribute enough to capture the full match. Beyond that, many savers prioritize an HSA and a Roth IRA before returning to max out the 401(k), depending on fees and fund quality. The right order depends on your tax situation and plan.