401(k) Match Calculator Guide: How Much Free Money Are You Missing?
2026-02-07
Educational content only. Rules and tax laws change over time; verify official sources.
Employer match is often the highest-confidence return in your entire plan. Missing even part of it can cost six figures over a career.
Why Match Is Powerful
A 50% match on your contribution is an immediate 50% return before market growth.
Common Match Structures
- 50% match up to 6% salary contribution
- 100% match up to 3% then 50% to 5%
Action Checklist
- Contribute enough to capture full match first
- Then optimize account order (Roth/401k/taxable)
- Recheck after each salary increase
Related Tools
Pair this with account order guide and Savings Rate Calculator.
Educational Disclaimer
This is educational content only and not financial, tax, or legal advice.
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