401k Calculator & Guide
Estimate your annual employer match, total 401(k) contributions and the potential value of matching contributions over time.
Enter your salary, contribution rate and employer's matching formula. The calculator estimates the amount your employer could contribute each year.
Your employer's match is normally determined by the formula written into your plan documents.
A percentage of your eligible pay is directed into your 401(k) through payroll.
Your employer contributes according to the matching formula in your plan.
Your employee and employer contributions can then participate in the investments available through your plan.
If you earn $80,000 and contribute 10%, you contribute $8,000. The first 6% of salary is $4,800, so a 50% employer match would equal $2,400. Your combined annual contribution would be $10,400.
Not every employer uses the same formula. Check your Summary Plan Description or plan documents for the exact rules.
A 50% match means your employer contributes 50 cents for each dollar of eligible employee contributions, subject to the plan's limits.
A 100% match means the employer contributes one dollar for each eligible dollar you contribute, subject to the plan formula.
Many formulas limit the percentage of salary on which employer matching contributions are calculated.
Find out whether your employer matches 25%, 50%, 100% or another percentage of eligible contributions.
Your plan may only match contributions up to a specified percentage of eligible compensation.
Your plan may specify when employees become eligible to participate and receive matching contributions.
Employer contributions may vest over time. Your own contributions are generally immediately vested.
Some plans calculate matching contributions per paycheck while others use different plan-specific methods.
Your Summary Plan Description and plan documents contain the rules that apply to your particular 401(k).
An employer may contribute money to your account before you have earned the right to keep all of those employer contributions.
| Contribution Type | Typical Vesting Treatment | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Your employee contributions | Immediately vested | Your plan terms and distribution rules |
| Employer matching contributions | May vest over time | Plan vesting schedule |
| Safe harbor required contributions | Generally immediately vested | Plan type and plan document |
If you leave an employer before employer contributions are fully vested, you may not be entitled to keep the entire employer-funded amount. Always check your plan's vesting schedule before making decisions about employment or retirement accounts.
Employee deferral limits and total plan contribution limits are different rules.
For 2026, the standard employee elective deferral limit for 401(k) plans is $24,500, before applicable catch-up contributions.
The 2026 defined contribution annual additions limit is generally $72,000, subject to the applicable compensation and catch-up rules.
Additional catch-up contribution rules can apply based on age. Your plan may also impose its own limits or procedures.
Use these related guides to understand contributions, investing, vesting and retirement planning.
Learn how employer matching contributions work and what plan rules can affect them.
Explore common employer matching formulas and examples.
Break down your employer's match formula step by step.
Understand what different employer match percentages mean.
Learn about salary caps and other limits that can affect employer matching.
Understand when employer matching contributions become yours.
Calculate your potential employer contribution, then explore the other tools and guides available on 401k.blog.
Clear guides, useful calculators and practical retirement resources to help you understand your 401(k), contributions, employer matching, Roth options, rollovers and long-term savings.
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