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401(k) Employer Match Calculator

Translate an employer 401(k) match formula into annual dollars and see how the modeled match could affect the account balance over time.

Reviewed · Aug 16, 2026

What this does

Turns your employer's match formula into annual dollars and shows how that match can compound over time.

Have ready

Your salary, the percent you contribute, and your employer's match formula.

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 (% of your eligible contribution)Example: 50 means employer contributes $0.50 for each eligible $1 you contribute.

Match applies through (% of salary)

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

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 plan rules and vesting can differ.

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.

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

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.

Does Terra know my actual employer formula?

No. Enter the formula from your plan. Some plans use different tiers, true-ups, eligibility rules or vesting schedules that this simplified calculator does not model.

Does this enforce IRS contribution limits?

No. Current limits and catch-up rules change over time and can depend on age and plan design. This tool explains the employer-match mechanics you enter rather than acting as plan-administration software.

What does the comparison line mean?

It keeps your own contribution and return assumption the same, then removes the modeled employer contribution so you can see the long-term difference associated with the match.

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.