401(k) Match Calculator
Estimate your annual employee contribution, employer match and total 401(k) contribution from a common matching formula.
Calculation breakdown
How a 401(k) match works
A formula such as “50% of contributions up to 6% of salary” means the employer contributes fifty cents for each dollar you contribute, but only on the first 6% of salary you contribute. Contributing less can leave part of the available match unused.
Vesting and plan limits
This calculator estimates the match formula only. Your plan may have vesting rules, compensation limits, true-up provisions and annual IRS contribution limits that affect the actual amount.
Frequently asked questions
What does 50% match up to 6% mean?
If you contribute 6% of salary, the employer contributes 3% of salary under that formula.
Does this include investment growth?
No. It calculates annual contributions only.
Does vesting affect the calculation?
Vesting can affect how much employer money you keep when leaving a job, but it is not modeled here.
Results are estimates for informational purposes only. Verify important financial, tax, real-estate or investment decisions with a qualified professional.