401(k) Contribution Calculator
Enter your salary, contribution rate and employer match. Saving 8 percent of a $75,000 salary puts $230.77 into your 401(k) each paycheck.
How the 401(k) contribution calculator works
The calculator turns a contribution percentage into dollars per paycheck and per year, adds the employer match, and checks your annual total against the IRS limit. A match is usually described as a rate on part of your pay, for example 50 percent of what you contribute up to 6 percent of pay. The calculator takes the smaller of your contribution and the matching cap, then applies the match rate.
The formulas
Example: On a $75,000 salary an 8 percent contribution is $6,000.00 a year, or $230.77 per paycheck over 26 pay periods. A 50 percent match on the first 6 percent of pay gives $2,250.00. Together that is $8,250.00 a year, 11% of salary. Figures are illustrations.
The limit
According to the IRS, the 2026 employee elective deferral limit for a 401(k) is $24,500, with a $8,000 catch-up for people 50 and older, and a higher catch-up for ages 60 to 63. See the IRS page on 401(k) contribution limits. The calculator uses $24,500, or $32,500 with the age 50 catch-up, and does not model the ages 60 to 63 amount, plan-specific limits or the separate total-additions limit. Match formulas vary by employer, so check your plan documents. To project the balance at retirement, use the 401(k) savings calculator, and for the paycheck effect see the paycheck calculator.
Free pricing tips for your business
Get short, practical tips on pricing jobs and using our free calculators. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
Frequently asked questions
How much of my paycheck goes to my 401(k)?
Your contribution percentage times your pay. At 8 percent on $75,000 with 26 paychecks, it is $230.77 before taxes.
How does an employer match work?
Many employers match a share of what you contribute up to a cap. A 50 percent match up to 6 percent of pay on $75,000 is $2,250.00 a year.
What is the 2026 401(k) limit?
The IRS lists $24,500 for employee deferrals in 2026, plus an $8,000 catch-up at age 50 and older.
Are 401(k) contributions pre-tax?
Traditional 401(k) contributions are generally made before income tax, and Roth contributions after. Check your plan, because this tool does not calculate tax.
Should I contribute enough to get the full match?
Many people do, because the match adds to savings. Your own situation and plan rules decide, so this is not financial advice.
Need a custom calculator or spreadsheet built for your business?
Talk to usMore free tools: All free calculators · 401(k) savings calculator · Paycheck calculator · Estimate your 401(k) balance