401(k) Employer Match Calculator

About this calculator

This calculator applies the standard partial-match formula used by most U.S. employers: your contribution rate is capped at the plan's match limit (commonly "50% up to 6% of pay" or "100% up to 3%"), then the employer's match percentage is applied to that capped amount and multiplied by your salary. Contributing above the cap still grows your own balance, but it stops increasing the free employer money.

HR departments and new hires use this during open enrollment to figure out the minimum contribution percentage that captures the full match — often called "free money" because leaving it on the table is equivalent to giving up part of your compensation. Financial advisors also use the same math to show clients why contributing below the match threshold is usually the worst way to under-save for retirement.