See how much free employer money you get from a 401(k) match and how much it grows over your career.
Uses annual compounding of both employee and employer contributions at your chosen return rate.
The employer 401(k) match is the closest thing to free money in personal finance. This calculator shows the annual match dollars and — more importantly — what those dollars grow into over your career.
Employer Match = Salary × min(Your Contribution %, Match Limit %) × Match %. Future Value = PMT × ((1+r)^n − 1) / r for each stream.
Salary $80,000, you contribute 6%, employer matches 100% up to 5%. Your annual contribution is $4,800; employer's is $4,000. At 7% over 30 years, your $4,800/year grows to $453,000 and the employer's $4,000/year grows to $378,000 — free.
Project the future value of savings or investments with monthly contributions and compound growth.
Calculate the monthly contribution needed to reach a specific dollar goal by a target date — given a starting balance and expected interest rate.
Calculate your right emergency fund target based on monthly expenses, desired months of coverage, and how fast your current savings reach that target.
Compare Roth and Traditional IRA after-tax value at retirement based on your tax rate today vs in retirement.
50–100% up to 3–6% of salary. 'Dollar for dollar up to 5%' is very common.
How long you must stay employed before employer contributions become yours. Cliff (all-at-once) or graded (over 3–6 years).
No — this focuses on match value. Contributions are capped ($23,000 for 2026 for under-50 employees); check the current IRS limit.
This calculator is for educational and estimation purposes only. It does not provide financial, mortgage, tax, investment, or legal advice. Actual rates, payments, taxes, fees, insurance costs, eligibility, and loan terms vary by lender, location, credit profile, and market conditions. Always compare official offers and consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
Last updated June 2026 · Prepared by the mCalculator Editorial Team