Educational estimate only. Not investment, tax, or retirement advice. Match formulas vary by employer; growth is a constant-rate sample, not a forecast.
Compare your contribution %
Same salary and match rules| Your % | You | Employer | Total / yr | Missed match |
|---|
Year-by-year projection
Educational growth path| Year | You | Employer | End balance |
|---|
Key takeaways
- Sample only: $80,000 salary · 6% deferral · 50% match up to 6% → you about $4,800/yr, employer about $2,400/yr, total about $7,200/yr.
- Match window: deferring less than the “match up to” percent can leave match on the table under this teaching formula.
- Not advice: Growth uses a constant sample return. Real markets, fees, and vesting differ.
- How the 401(k) calculator works
How it works
Employee dollars = salary × your %. Employer match uses a sample formula: match rate × the lesser of your deferral and the match window. Optional years compound at a return you type. Details: how we calculate.
Worked examples
Guides
How does this 401(k) calculator work?
It estimates your annual deferral, employer match under a sample “match X% of deferrals up to Y% of salary” formula, and optional multi-year growth at a return rate you type. Sample: $80,000 · 6% · 50% match up to 6% → about $7,200/year total. Educational only.
Is the return a market forecast?
No. You type a sample annual return. Nestfigure does not forecast markets or recommend investments.
Does this match my employer’s plan?
Maybe not. Match formulas differ (tiers, true-up, vesting). Use your plan summary and adjust the match rate and “up to” percent.
Can I prefill from a link?
Yes. Parameters: salary, employee, matchRate, matchUpTo, years, return.
Is this calculator free?
Yes—free, no signup. Educational math only—not tax or investment advice.
How we calculate · Common questions · Sample prefill · Compound interest · How long savings last
Disclaimer: Educational estimates only—not investment advice, tax advice, plan design, or a guarantee of match or returns.
YMYL notice: This site is for education only. It is not financial, tax, or investment advice. Nestfigure is not a bank, credit union, broker, investment adviser, or fiduciary. Product terms, rates, and penalties vary—always read your institution’s disclosures before acting. Calculator results are mathematical estimates, not bank quotes.