Financial Calculator

401(k) Employer Match Calculator

Estimate how much employer match you get each year and check whether you are leaving free retirement money on the table.

Input Values
Enter your salary and plan match details.
Results
Simple annual estimate based on your inputs.

Employer match you'll get

$1,600

Total annual retirement contribution

$4,800

You: $3,200 + Employer: $1,600

You're leaving $800 in annual employer match on the table.
How the Formula Works
Plain-English version of the match math.

1) Your annual contribution = salary x contribution rate (4.00% right now).

2) Only part of your contribution is eligible for match, based on the cap (6.00% of salary).

3) Employer match = eligible contribution x match rate (50.00% right now).

Example 1: Below the cap
Salary $80,000, contribute 4%, 50% match up to 6%: you contribute $3,200 and employer match is $1,600.
Example 2: At the cap
Salary $80,000, contribute 6%, 50% match up to 6%: you contribute $4,800 and employer match is $2,400.
Example 3: Above the cap
Salary $80,000, contribute 10%, 50% match up to 6%: you contribute $8,000 and employer match is still capped at $2,400.
FAQ

How is a 401(k) employer match calculated?

A common formula is: employer match = employee contribution eligible for match x employer match percentage. Eligibility is typically capped at a percentage of salary.

What does 50% match up to 6% mean?

It usually means your employer matches half of your contributions, but only on contributions up to 6% of your salary.

Can I lose employer match money?

Yes. If you contribute below your plan's match cap, you can leave part of your available employer match unclaimed.

Does this calculator include vesting or IRS contribution limits?

No. This version is a simple annual match estimate and does not model vesting schedules, taxes, or IRS annual maximum limits.

Should I contribute at least enough to get the full match?

Many savers prioritize capturing the full match first because it is effectively additional compensation. Your full plan depends on your budget and goals.