401(k) Match Calculator
Calculate your 401(k) employer match and see how much free money you're earning. Choose from common match formulas or enter a custom match to find out if you're leaving money on the table.
Understanding Your 401(k) Employer Match
A 401(k) employer match is essentially free money for your retirement. Your employer contributes additional funds to your 401(k) based on how much you contribute — but only up to a certain limit.
Common Match Formulas
| Match Type | You Contribute | Employer Adds | On $75k Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% on first 3% | 3% | 3% | $2,250 |
| 100% on first 4% | 4% | 4% | $3,000 |
| 50% on first 6% | 6% | 3% | $2,250 |
| 100% on 3%, 50% on next 2% | 5% | 4% | $3,000 |
Why You Should Never Leave Match Money on the Table
Not contributing enough to get your full employer match is like turning down a guaranteed 50-100% return on your money. Even if you have debt, most financial advisors recommend contributing at least enough to get the full match before paying down anything other than high-interest debt.
Related Calculators
- Retirement Calculator
- Salary to Hourly Calculator
- Hourly to Salary Converter
- Savings Goal Calculator
- Overtime Pay Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 401(k) employer match?
A 401(k) match is when your employer contributes money to your retirement account based on how much you contribute. For example, if your employer offers a 100% match on the first 3% of your salary, they'll match dollar-for-dollar up to 3% of your pay.
How do I maximize my 401(k) match?
To maximize your match, contribute at least enough to get the full employer match. For example, if your employer matches 50% of the first 6%, you need to contribute at least 6% of your salary to get the maximum match of 3%.
What is a good 401(k) match?
The average employer match is around 3-6% of salary. A common structure is 50% match on the first 6% (effectively 3%), or 100% match on the first 3-4%. Any match is essentially free money for retirement.
What is the 401(k) contribution limit?
For 2025, the employee contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if age 50+). The combined employee + employer limit is $70,000. These limits are adjusted annually for inflation.