401k Match Calculator — How Much Free Money Are You Getting?
Calculate how much free money you get from your employer 401k match. See the impact of not contributing enough to get the full match.
Your employer 401k match is literally free money — failing to contribute enough to get the full match is leaving money on the table. If your employer matches 50% of contributions up to 6% of salary and you earn $80000 contributing 6% ($4800) gets you $2400 free from your employer. Not contributing at all means losing $2400 per year or $24000 over 10 years before investment growth.
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401(k) / Retirement Calculator
Key Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Match Formulas | 50% of first 6% or 100% of first 3% |
| Average Employer Match | 3.5% - 6% of salary |
| Vesting Period | Typically 3-6 years for full vesting |
| Annual Free Money (example) | $2400 - $4800 on $80000 salary |
Calculate your 401k match
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Use Calculator NowFrequently Asked Questions
How much is my employer 401k match worth?
On $80000 salary with 50% match on first 6%: contribute 6% ($4800/year) and employer adds $2400. Over 30 years at 7% returns: your contributions grow to $454000 and employer match adds $227000 — total $681000. Without the match you only have $454000. The employer match adds $227000 for contributing exactly the same amount. This is why financial advisors call it the most important first step in investing.
Should I contribute more than the match?
First priority: contribute enough to get the full employer match (typically 6% of salary). Second priority: max out Roth IRA ($7000). Third priority: increase 401k to maximum ($23500 in 2026). The reason for this order: employer match is guaranteed 50-100% instant return. Roth IRA offers more investment flexibility and tax-free growth. Additional 401k contributions reduce taxable income.
What is 401k vesting?
Vesting determines when you fully own your employer match contributions. Cliff vesting: 0% ownership until a set date (usually 3 years) then 100%. Graded vesting: ownership increases annually (typically 20% per year over 5-6 years). Your own contributions are always 100% vested immediately. If you leave before fully vested you forfeit the unvested employer match amount.
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Last updated: March 2026