Online Tool Store
401k Contribution Calculator
See how a 401(k) contribution percentage affects your paycheck and annual savings, including the employer match, capped at the IRS limit.
🔒 This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to a server.
Your annual contribution
Employer match (annual)
Total annual contribution
Your contribution per paycheck
How the 401(k) contribution calculator works
- Enter your annual salary, pay frequency, and the percentage you plan to contribute.
- Enter your employer's match percentage and the salary percentage it applies up to.
- The calculator shows your per-paycheck and annual contribution, the employer match, and the combined total — capped at the IRS annual limit if your contribution would exceed it.
The formula
employer match = min(your contribution %, match limit %) × salary × match rate
Example: a $75,000 salary with a 6% employee contribution and a 50%-up-to-6% employer match gives an employee contribution of $4,500 and an employer match of $2,250 — a combined $6,750 per year.
FAQ
What is the 2026 IRS 401(k) contribution limit?
For 2026, the employee elective deferral limit is $24,000 for those under 50 (this calculator applies that cap). Workers 50 and older can typically contribute more under separate catch-up provisions, which aren't modeled here — check current IRS guidance for your exact limit.
Does the employer match count toward my personal limit?
No — the IRS employee deferral limit applies only to what you contribute from your paycheck. Employer matching contributions are separate and don't count against that specific limit (though a separate, higher combined limit does exist).
What does "match up to X% of salary" mean?
It's the cap on how much of your contribution the employer will match — a common plan design is "50% match on the first 6% you contribute," meaning contributing more than 6% still gets you the full match, but nothing extra on the amount above 6%.
Is my salary information sent anywhere?
No. Every number is calculated instantly in your browser as you type — nothing is sent to Online Tool Store or any other server.
How we compare
| Feature | Online Tool Store | Bankrate | Your plan provider's calculator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shows per-paycheck impact | ✓ | ✓ | Varies by provider |
| No account or plan login needed | ✓ | ✓ | Login required |
| Updates instantly as you type | ✓ | Calculate button | Varies by provider |
For a quick check of how a contribution change affects your paycheck, without logging into your plan provider, the Online Tool Store 401(k) Contribution Calculator gives you the answer instantly.