How to read the result
Employee deposits, employer deposits and investment growth are shown separately. A missed-match amount means the selected contribution rate is below the rate needed to earn the full modeled employer contribution.
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401(k) growth and the employer match
The match is the heart of a 401(k) — contributing below the cap leaves part of your pay on the table. Set your contribution rate, the match formula, expected raises and return to project the balance at retirement, and see any match you are currently missing.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the current account balance and salary, then reproduce the employer's match wording carefully.
- Set your employee contribution at least high enough to capture the full available match when affordable.
- Review the annual employee limit warning and test a lower-return case for the selected investments.
What this estimate does not capture
Vesting schedules, plan fees and Roth versus traditional tax treatment are outside this projection. Age-based catch-up limits, including ages 60–63, are modeled using 2026 rules. Confirm current rules with the plan administrator.
UNDERSTAND THE NUMBERS
Separate your contribution from the employer match
Fixed educational example · independent of your inputs above. $ means US dollars; these are not current rate quotes or return forecasts.
Assume a $60,000 salary, age 35, and a company matching 50% of contributions on the first 6% of salary. Use one year, zero starting balance, no salary growth and 0% investment return to isolate contributions.
| Employee rate | Your annual contribution | Employer contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 3% | $1,800 | $900 |
| 6% | $3,600 | $1,800 |
| 10% | $6,000 | $1,800 |
What the difference tells you
Moving from 3% to 6% adds $1,800 of your money and $900 of employer money. Moving from 6% to 10% adds your savings but no further match under this schedule. Match rate and salary cap are different percentages; 50% matching does not mean the company contributes half your salary.
Before drawing a conclusion
This is a US 401(k) model in USD. It uses 2026 contribution limits, while later limit increases are assumptions. Vesting, plan-specific matching rules, Roth eligibility and tax at withdrawal are not modeled; consult the actual plan document.
A comparison to try
First enter your plan's match rate and salary cap. Then compare contributing below, at and above the cap. Only after that should you extend the horizon and introduce salary or investment growth.
Place the account in a retirement income plan →References for this explanation
Prepared by EconoPi · examples and explanations reviewed September 19, 2026. Tables are our calculations under stated assumptions, not forecasts or recommendations by the referenced organizations.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I contribute?
Compare the employee contribution, employer match and remaining take-home budget at different contribution rates. The appropriate amount depends on your plan, available cash and other obligations.
What does "50% up to 6%" mean?
Your employer adds 50 cents per dollar you contribute, up to 6% of salary — so contributing 6% earns an extra 3% of pay.
What is the contribution limit?
The model starts with the 2026 employee deferral limit of $24,500, plus an $8,000 catch-up from age 50 or $11,250 instead at ages 60–63. Catch-up limits follow projected age automatically; later limits use the selected annual limit-growth assumption. Actual catch-up contributions also require the plan to permit them.
What return should I assume?
Enter a nominal annual return to compare with nominal salary and contributions. Test several rates; this model does not forecast returns or adjust the projected balance for inflation.
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