401(k) Contribution Optimizer
Optimize your 401(k) contributions to maximize employer matching and tax benefits
Your 401(k) Information
Percentage of salary you currently contribute
e.g., 50% means employer matches 50¢ per $1
Maximum salary % eligible for match
Historical stock market average is 7-10%
Federal + state marginal tax rate
Ready to Optimize?
Enter your 401(k) information and click "Optimize" to see how to maximize your retirement savings.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on the information you provide. Actual results may vary based on market conditions, plan rules, and contribution limit changes. Consult with your HR department and financial advisor for personalized 401(k) strategy advice.
Understanding 401(k) Contribution Optimization
An employer match is often described as "free money," but many employees still contribute less than what's needed to capture the full match — leaving real compensation on the table every paycheck. Beyond the match, deciding how much more to contribute, and whether to use Traditional or Roth, meaningfully affects both your current tax bill and your balance at retirement.
This calculator compares your current contribution rate against a "max match" scenario and a more comprehensive "optimized" savings rate, so you can see in dollar terms what each strategy is worth by the time you retire.
How This Calculator Works
Enter your age, income, current 401(k) balance, contribution rate, and your employer's match formula. The calculator applies the current IRS annual contribution limits for your selected tax year — including the age-50+ catch-up and SECURE 2.0's "super catch-up" for ages 60-63 — and projects your balance at retirement under three scenarios: your current rate, the rate needed to capture the full match, and a more optimized savings rate.