Free 401k match calculator — see how much free money your employer is giving you
This free 401k match calculator (also an employer match calculator) helps you figure out how much free money your company is giving you through your 401k plan. Many employees leave thousands of dollars on the table every year because they don't contribute enough to get the full employer match.
A 401k match is essentially free money from your employer. If your company offers a 50% match on contributions up to 6% of your salary, and you earn $75,000, you're leaving $2,250 per year on the table if you don't contribute at least 6%.
Companies use different formulas for 401k matching. The most common is "50% of your contributions up to 6% of your salary." That means:
The employer match is an instant 50-100% return on your investment. No other investment on earth gives you that kind of guaranteed return. If your company matches 50% up to 6%, you're getting an instant 50% return on that money before it's even invested.
Over 30 years, that free match can grow into hundreds of thousands of dollars. Use this calculator to see how much you're leaving on the table.
Average employer match is around 3-5% of salary. A great match is 50% up to 6% (total 3% from employer) or even 100% up to 6% (total 6% from employer). Anything above 6% is exceptional.
Yes! After you've contributed enough to get the full match, keep contributing if you can. The 401k has huge tax advantages, and the annual contribution limit ($23,000 in 2026, $30,500 if you're 50+) lets you save a lot for retirement.
It depends on your plan's vesting schedule. Many plans have a cliff vest (100% after 3 years) or graded vest (20% per year starting year 2). Your own contributions are always 100% yours.
No! Employer 401k contributions are pre-tax and grow tax-deferred. You only pay taxes when you withdraw the money in retirement.
At minimum, contribute enough to get the full employer match. Ideally, aim for 10-15% of your salary for retirement. The 401k annual limit in 2026 is $23,000 (or $30,500 if you're 50+).