401k Employer Match Calculator
Find out how much free money your employer adds, how much you may be leaving behind, and how vesting affects what you keep.
What we noticed
Year by year
How this calculator works
Many employers add money when you save. A match is written like "50% of what you put in, up to 6% of your pay". We work out how much you get at your current savings rate, the most you could get, and the difference.
We also show how much of the match is yours to keep if you left today, based on your plan's vesting schedule, and what the money you are missing could grow to by retirement.
Your own contributions are always 100% yours. Only the employer's match can be subject to vesting.
Common match formulas and vesting
| 50% of the first 6% you save | Employer adds up to 3% of your pay |
|---|---|
| 100% of the first 4% you save | Employer adds up to 4% of your pay |
| 100% of the first 3%, then 50% of the next 2% | A common "safe harbor" match, up to 4% of your pay |
| 3-year cliff vesting | 0% until year 3, then 100% |
| 6-year graded vesting | 20% a year from year 2 until fully vested at year 6 |
Frequently asked questions
How does an employer 401k match work?
Your employer adds money based on what you save, up to a limit. For example, if you earn $60,000 and save 6%, you put in $3,600 and a 50% match adds $1,800.
Is the match free money?
Effectively yes. It is an immediate return on what you save, which is why most planners say to save at least enough to get the full match.
What is vesting?
Vesting is how long you must work before the employer's match is fully yours. If you leave early, you may only keep part of it. Your own contributions are always yours.
Does the match count toward my contribution limit?
No. The match does not count toward your own limit, but your own plus employer money together have a higher overall yearly cap.