401(k) calculator with employer match

Contribute at least enough to get your full employer match — it’s an instant 50%–100% return. On an $80,000 salary with a “50% of the first 6%” match, contributing 3% instead of 6% leaves $1,200 a year unclaimed. The 2026 employee limit is $24,500, plus catch-ups from age 50. See your own projection below.

  • 2026 limit $24,500
  • Catch-up $8,000 (50+) / $11,250 (60–63)
  • Shows missed match
  • Tax savings by state

Your details

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2026 limit at your age: $24,500.

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› Returns, raises and taxes
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Projected 401(k) at age 65

$1,136,698

about $478,972 in today’s dollars

You’re leaving $800 of free employer match on the table this year. Contributing 6% captures all of it — and grows your balance at retirement to about $1,624,973.

This year
1Your contribution this year$3,200
2Employer match this year$1,600
3Income tax you save (federal + state)$704
4Real cost to your take-home pay78% of what goes into the account$2,496
$0k$284k$568k$853k$1.1M30364248546065
Your plan
You put in
$193k
Employer adds
$97k
Growth
$831k
Assumptions behind this estimate (3)
  • Contributions are capped at the 2026 limit for your age ($24,500), including the 50+ and 60–63 catch-ups; limits are held at 2026 levels.
  • Match is calculated per paycheck in most plans; if your plan has no true-up, front-loading contributions can lose match.
  • Returns are steady averages; real markets vary year to year. Fees are not deducted.

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How does a 401(k) employer match work?

Your employer adds money based on what you contribute, up to a cap. “50% of the first 6%” means that if you contribute 6% of pay, your employer adds 3%; contribute 2% and they add 1%. Anything you contribute above 6% gets no match, but still grows tax-deferred.

Many employers use a vesting schedule — you may need to stay two to six years before the match fully belongs to you. Your own contributions are always 100% yours.

What are the 2026 401(k) limits?

Age in 2026Employee limit
Under 50$24,500
50–59 and 64+$32,500
60–63$35,750

Traditional or Roth 401(k)?

Traditional contributions cut your tax bill now; Roth contributions are taxed now but come out tax-free in retirement. The same logic as IRAs applies — compare your rates with the Roth vs Traditional calculator, and check the paycheck impact with the take-home pay calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?

$24,500 in employee deferrals. If you’re 50 or older you can add $8,000 (total $32,500), and if you’re 60 to 63 the catch-up is $11,250 (total $35,750). Employer contributions don’t count toward the employee limit.

How much should I contribute to get the full match?

At least the percentage your employer matches up to. For “50% of the first 6%” that’s 6%; for the common safe-harbor formula “100% of 3% plus 50% of the next 2%” it’s 5%. Below that, you are turning down part of your pay.

Is the employer match taxed?

Employer matching contributions go in pre-tax and are taxed as ordinary income when you withdraw them, even if your own contributions are Roth (some plans now allow Roth match under SECURE 2.0).

How much does a 401(k) contribution reduce my paycheck?

Less than the amount you contribute. A traditional contribution lowers your federal and most state income tax, so in the 22% bracket a $100 contribution costs about $78 of take-home pay before state tax. The calculator shows your exact figure.

What return should I assume?

Long-run US stock returns have averaged around 10% a year before inflation; a diversified mix of stocks and bonds is often modeled at 5%–7%. Use a lower number if you want a conservative plan, and remember fees reduce returns.

Sources

Estimates for planning, not financial, tax or legal advice. CalciTools calculators use published government figures and the assumptions shown on each page. Your actual numbers depend on details we don’t model. Check important decisions with a qualified professional.