Should I contribute more than the company match?

Capturing the company match is the first priority. Additional savings can go into a Roth IRA (for tax-free growth) or back into your 401(k) up to IRS annual contribution limits.

Updated: August 2026 • Verified v1.2

401(k) Retirement Growth & Employer Match Calculator

Finance & MathPopular

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401(k) Simulation: Balance[t] = (Balance[t-1] + Employee_Contrib + Employer_Match) * (1 + r)

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Understanding Your Results

Calculates projected balance at target retirement age, total personal employee contributions, total 'free money' employer match, and compound stock market growth.

Practical Guidance & Next Steps

Always contribute at least enough to capture your full company match — it represents an immediate 50% to 100% guaranteed return on your investment.

What is this?

A retirement wealth utility that models 401(k) portfolio growth, company match capture, and compound interest.

How does it work?

1. Enter current age, target retirement age, salary, and current balance. 2. Set your contribution percentage and employer match parameters (e.g. 50% match up to 6%). 3. View final retirement nest egg, personal contributions, and free match money.

Why use it?

Reveals the massive wealth generated by compound growth and employer matching over a 30-year career.

Technical Scope & Calculation Limitations

Calculates annual compounding projections based on constant contribution rates and average investment returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

An employer match is when your company contributes additional money to your 401(k) plan based on how much you contribute, commonly 50% of your contributions up to 6% of your salary.

Windows Desktop & Widget Options