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401(k) calculator with employer match

See what goes into your 401(k) each year: your money, your employer's match, and any match you're missing. Uses the 2026 IRS limits.

Key facts

The match is extra. It doesn't count toward your $24,500 limit.
To get the whole match, put in at least the "up to" percent. Example: with a 50% match up to 6% of $60,000 pay, putting in 6% ($3,600.00) brings $1,800.00 from your employer.
2026 limits: $24,500 of your own money, plus $8,000 catch-up at 50+ ($11,250 at ages 60 to 63). You + employer: up to $72,000 before catch-up (IR-2025-111, Notice 2025-67).

Your 401(k)

Your pay per year ($)

You put in (% of pay)

Employer matches (% of what you put in)

Match up to (% of pay)

Your age at the end of 2026

$5,400.00

a year into your 401(k)

You put in

$3,600.00

Your employer adds

$1,800.00

Match you're missing

$0.00

You get the full employer match.

Show the math

Pay counted by the plan: $60,000.00
You: $60,000.00 × 6% = $3,600.00
Your limit: $24,500 (catch-up starts at age 50)
Match: 50% of your money up to 6% of pay ($3,600.00) = $1,800.00
Each year: $3,600.00 + $1,800.00 = $5,400.00
Full match: put in at least 6% of pay; match you're not getting: $0.00 a year
In 25 years at 6% a year: $0.00 now + $135,000.00 added + $161,268.36 growth = $296,268.36

More options

Some plans match in two steps, like 100% of the first 3% of pay plus 50% of the next 2%. Enter the second step here. The growth figure is only an example to show how money can add up; real returns go up and down.

Second match tier (% match)

On the next (% of pay)

401(k) balance now ($)

Years to look ahead

Growth per year (%), an example, not a promise

Worked examples (2026 rules)

Example	You	Employer	Total a year	Match missed
$60,000 pay, you put in 6%, 50% match up to 6%	$3,600.00	$1,800.00	$5,400.00	$0.00
Same, but you put in 3%	$1,800.00	$900.00	$2,700.00	$900.00
$80,000 pay, 5%, 100% of the first 3% + 50% of the next 2%	$4,000.00	$3,200.00	$7,200.00	$0.00
$200,000 pay, 15%, age 61, 50% up to 6%	$30,000.00	$6,000.00	$36,000.00	$0.00
$400,000 pay, 10%, age 45, 100% up to 6% (pay cap $360,000)	$24,500.00	$21,600.00	$46,100.00	$0.00

The 100%-of-3% plus 50%-of-2% formula is a common "safe harbor" match; the IRS says safe harbor contributions are fully vested when made (IRS 401(k) overview). Your plan's formula is in your benefits papers.

Leaving a job or need cash? Read the 401(k) basics: vesting, loans and hardship withdrawals. Does your plan offer a Roth 401(k)? Compare the two with the Roth vs Traditional calculator.

Sources

IRS IR-2025-111: 2026 401(k) and IRA limits (Nov. 13, 2025) (checked October 21, 2026)
IRS Notice 2025-67: 2026 retirement plan limits (415(c) $72,000, pay cap $360,000, Roth catch-up wage test $150,000) (checked October 21, 2026)
IRS: 401(k) contribution limits (total cap $72,000; $80,000 / $83,250 with catch-up) (checked October 21, 2026)
IRS: Catch-up contributions (ages 50+ and 60 to 63; Roth catch-up rule from 2026) (checked October 21, 2026)
IRS: 401(k) plan overview (safe harbor contributions fully vested) (checked October 21, 2026)
IRS: Vesting (your money is always 100% yours; example schedules) (checked October 21, 2026)

Next step: find your match formula in your plan's summary plan description or benefits site, enter it above, and check what percent you put in today on your last pay stub. Then see 401(k) basics and the retirement hub.

Education only, not investment, tax or legal advice. We show IRS rules and do math on the numbers you type; we don't tell you what to buy or which account to pick. Your plan's own rules (its summary plan description) can be stricter. No company pays to be on this page, and there are no partner links.

FAQ

Does the employer match count toward the $24,500 limit?

No. The 2026 $24,500 limit is for your own contributions. Your money (not counting catch-up) plus your employer's money is capped at $72,000, or 100% of your pay if less.

How much do I need to put in to get the full match?

At least the "up to" percent in your plan's formula. Example: a 50% match up to 6% of pay needs you to put in 6%. On $60,000 that's $3,600.00 from you and $1,800.00 from your employer.

What is the 2026 401(k) catch-up limit?

$8,000 if you are 50 or older at the end of 2026, or $11,250 if you turn 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2026 (IRS IR-2025-111).

Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.

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