Free Financial Calculator

401(k) Employer Match Calculator

Model simple or tiered 401(k) employer match formulas, translate the match into annual dollars, and see how the modeled employer contribution could compound over time.

Reviewed · Sep 21, 2026

What this does

Models single-tier or tiered employer matches, shows the contribution rate that captures the full modeled match, and projects the match over time.

Have ready

Your salary, contribution rate, and the exact match wording from your plan or benefits portal.

Terra approachTransparent assumptionsEducational comparisonNo product recommendationHow Terra handles revenue →

Your assumptions

Change the numbers yourself. Terra shows a deterministic scenario, not a prediction.

Annual salary

Your contribution (% of salary)

Employer match formulaChoose a common example or select Custom and enter the exact tiers from your plan. These presets are examples, not a claim that any formula is standard.

Match tiers50% of eligible employee contributions through 6% of salary.

Use cumulative salary limits

Tier 1

Employer match (%)100 = $1 from employer for each eligible $1 you contribute.

Through (% of salary)End of this tier, measured as a cumulative % of salary.

Annual employer match dollar cap (optional)Use only if your plan states a separate annual dollar cap on matching contributions.

Current 401(k) balance

Illustrative annual return (%)

Years to project

Saved scenarios stay privately in this browser under My Terra. Nothing is saved unless you choose Save this scenario.

Your result

The headline answer stays simple. Open the graph or table only when you want to see how the result develops over time.

Your estimated annual contribution$0

Estimated employer contribution$0

Estimated total annual contribution$0

Contribution rate that captures the full modeled match0%

Additional employer match available under this formula$0

Modeled ending-balance difference from employer match$0

The projection assumes the salary and contribution percentages you entered stay constant, contributions arrive at year-end, and the employer contribution is fully available. Actual plans can calculate matches per pay period, apply true-ups or eligibility rules, impose compensation limits, or use vesting schedules that this model does not reproduce.

How to read this result

Your plan formula controls the answerEmployer matches vary. Use the wording from your plan or benefits material rather than assuming a standard formula.

The full-match rate is formula math, not a recommendationTerra shows the contribution percentage at which the entered match formula is fully used. Whether that contribution fits your budget is a separate decision.

Vesting can matterThe modeled employer contribution assumes it remains available to you. Some employer contributions vest over time.

Payroll timing can matterSome plans calculate matches each pay period or use a year-end true-up. This calculator uses annual totals.

How a 401(k) match works in plain English →Next: How do I evaluate the funds inside my 401(k)? →

Help improve TerraWas this page helpful?

One click helps us see what needs improving. Terra does not send your calculator inputs or questionnaire answers with this feedback.

Now check what is inside the 401(k).

Getting the match is only one part of the workplace-plan decision. Terra's 401(k) Reality Check helps you examine fund types, historical comparisons and expense ratios.

Take the next step →

How to read it

Useful math, with visible limits.

Can Terra model a tiered 401(k) match?

Yes. Choose the two-tier preset or Custom to model as many as three sequential tiers. Each “through” field is the cumulative percentage of salary where that tier ends.

What does the optional dollar cap do?

If your plan separately limits annual matching dollars, enter that cap. Terra then shows the lower contribution rate, if any, at which the modeled dollar cap is reached.

What is still outside this model?

IRS contribution limits, compensation limits, per-pay-period matching, true-ups, eligibility, discretionary contributions, profit sharing and vesting are not plan-administered here. Confirm those details in your plan documents.

Terra calculators are educational scenario tools. Results depend on the assumptions entered and do not predict returns, taxes, employer plan rules, advisor value, or future financial outcomes.

Match formula examples

How much will an employer match?

The answer depends on both the match rate and the salary percentage eligible for the match.

50% through 6%

At an $80,000 salary, contributing 6% means $4,800 from the employee. A 50% match on those eligible dollars is $2,400.

100% through 3%

At the same salary, contributing 3% means $2,400 from the employee and a modeled employer match of $2,400.

100% through 3%, then 50% through 5%

At $80,000, contributing 5% means $4,000 from the employee. The first tier adds $2,400 and the second adds $800, for a $3,200 modeled employer match.

These are examples only. Employer plans can use different formulas, payroll methods, caps, eligibility rules and vesting schedules. Use your own plan wording in the calculator.