What is a 401(k) employer match?

An employer match is a contribution your employer makes to your 401(k) based on your own contributions, up to a percentage of your salary. For example, a 3% match means your employer contributes up to 3% of your salary if you contribute at least that much — it's essentially free retirement money.

401(k) Contribution Calculator

Estimate your 401(k) balance at retirement and how employer matching affects your total.

This tool runs in your browser. None of your data is saved or sold.

Annual salary ($)

Your contribution (%)

Employer match (%)

Current 401(k) balance ($)

Your current age (years)

Years until retirement (years)

Expected annual return (%)

About This Calculator

A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement account where contributions are tax-deferred. Always contribute at least enough to get the full employer match — it's an immediate 50–100% return on that portion. The 2025 IRS employee contribution limit is $23,500 (under 50), $31,000 (ages 50–59 or 64+), or $34,750 (ages 60–63, SECURE 2.0 super catch-up). This calculator caps your contribution at the applicable limit based on your age.

Estimates only — not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Verify important results with a qualified professional before making decisions.

projected balance = current×(1+r)^n + monthly×((1+r)^n−1)/r, where monthly = min(salary×employee%, IRS limit) + salary×employer%) / 12, r = annual rate ÷ 12, n = years × 12; 2025 IRS limits: $23,500 (under 50), $31,000 (50–59/64+), $34,750 (60–63)