These samples illustrate how different inputs affect the projected totals.
| Scenario | Salary | Employee setting | Match formula | Projected employee | Projected employer | Total projected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $60,000 | 6% of pay | 50% up to 6% | $3,600 | $1,800 | $5,400 |
| Mid-career | $95,000 | $500 per paycheck (biweekly) | 100% up to 4% | $13,000 | $3,800 | $16,800 |
| Catch-up | $140,000 | 15% of pay | 50% up to 6% | $32,500 | $4,200 | $36,700 |
Values are simplified and ignore mid-year changes or plan-specific rounding.
- Gross pay per period = eligible annual compensation ÷ pay periods.
- Employee per period = gross per period × contribution rate (or fixed amount).
- Employee annual projection = YTD employee + (employee per period × remaining periods).
- Employee limit cap = elective deferral limit + catch-up amount (age-based).
- Matched rate = min(employee effective rate, match cap).
- Employer match per period = gross match pay × matched rate × match rate.
- Total annual = employee capped annual + employer annual.
- Future value uses compound growth with periodic contributions.
If your plan matches differently (tiers, true-up, or per-paycheck limits), adjust match inputs to approximate.
- Enter your annual salary and choose your pay frequency.
- If mid-year, set remaining pay periods and add YTD contributions.
- Select percentage or fixed-per-paycheck contributions, then enter the value.
- Enter your employer match terms and decide whether bonus counts.
- Review limits, then press Calculate to see results above.
- Use CSV or PDF buttons to save a shareable summary.
Set a contribution target
A practical starting point is saving 10%–15% of pay for retirement, including any employer match. If you earn $85,000 and contribute 8%, that is $6,800 annually. On a biweekly schedule, that is about $261 per paycheck. If you also contribute on a $5,000 bonus, an 8% setting adds another $400, which can help you reach goals faster without changing your base‑pay rate.
Maximize employer match
Match dollars are an immediate, low‑risk return on your contribution. A common formula is 50% match up to 6% of pay: contributing 6% on $85,000 can produce about $2,550 in match for the year. Some plans match 100% up to 4%, others use tiers. Use the per‑paycheck match estimate to confirm you are meeting the match cap every period, especially after raises or schedule changes.
Stay inside annual limits
Employee deferrals are capped each year. For 2026, the elective deferral limit is $24,500. Participants age 50+ may add $8,000 of catch‑up contributions, while ages 60–63 may be eligible for a $11,250 “super” catch‑up instead. Total employee + employer additions are generally limited to $72,000. Many plan calculations also apply a compensation cap; for 2026 the cap is $360,000, meaning pay above that level may not increase match or allocations.
Adjust mid‑year contributions
If you start late, switch employers, or increase your rate mid‑year, use remaining pay periods and year‑to‑date deferrals to re‑calibrate. The calculator caps projected employee amounts to stay within your selected limit, then recomputes match using the capped rate. The “max per paycheck” figure is especially useful when you want to hit the limit by year‑end without reaching it too early and missing match on later checks.
Model growth with care
Projection figures use compound growth and repeat‑year assumptions, so treat them as directional rather than guaranteed. For example, a 6% return assumption on a $15,000 balance plus $16,000 of annual total contributions can compound substantially over 25 years, but volatility, fees, and contribution changes will shift outcomes. Re‑run scenarios yearly and after major pay or plan updates. Consider running a conservative case at 4% and an optimistic case at 8% to understand the range of outcomes for planning.
Does this calculator model taxes or take‑home pay changes?
No. It estimates contribution dollars from gross compensation and plan limits. Tax withholding, deductions, and payroll rounding vary by employer and are not included.
How does it handle employer matching?
It estimates match per paycheck as: eligible pay × min(contribution rate, match cap) × match rate. If employee contributions are capped by limits, the match is recalculated using the capped rate.
What if my plan offers a year‑end “true‑up” match?
This tool assumes matching happens each paycheck. If your plan true‑ups, your annual match may be higher when you hit the employee limit early. Use plan documents to adjust expectations.
Why does it ask for year‑to‑date employee contributions?
Year‑to‑date deferrals help prevent over‑contributing. The calculator spreads the remaining allowed amount across the paychecks you have left this year.
Can I include bonus pay in contributions or matching?
Yes. You can choose whether contributions and matching apply to bonus compensation. Many plans treat bonuses differently, so confirm your payroll rules.
How are the long‑term projections calculated?
It compounds the current balance and adds projected contributions using your return assumption. The retirement estimate repeats the same annual contribution each year, so update inputs when your pay, match, or limits change.