401(k) Calculator · Practical guide
How Much Should I Contribute to My 401(k)?
Rules of thumb, employer-match math, and examples by salary to help you pick a contribution rate.
At a glance
The Short Answer
Most retirement guidelines suggest saving 10% to 15% of your gross income for retirement, including any employer match. If that is out of reach today, the floor is simpler: contribute at least enough to capture the full employer match, then raise your rate by 1% each year.
Interactive tool
401(k) Calculator
Enter your own values, then compare the result with the examples below.
Retirement Projection
Start With the Employer Match
The match is part of your pay. If your plan matches 50% of the first 6% and you contribute only 3%, on a $75,000 salary you leave $1,125 a year unclaimed — money that would also compound for decades.
- Below the match ceiling: you are declining wages.
- At the match ceiling: you capture 100% of the free money.
- Above it: still valuable, but the instant return disappears.
Contribution Examples by Salary
What different rates look like in dollars, assuming a 50% match on the first 6%:
| Salary | 6% + Match | 10% + Match | 15% + Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $4,500/yr | $6,500/yr | $9,000/yr |
| $75,000 | $6,750/yr | $9,750/yr | $13,500/yr |
| $100,000 | $9,000/yr | $13,000/yr | $18,000/yr |
How to Ramp Up Painlessly
Increase your contribution by 1% every six months or with every raise — you will barely notice the difference in take-home pay because traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax. Use the calculator above to see how each extra percent changes your projected balance at retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10% enough for a 401(k)?
Ten percent including the match is a reasonable floor if you start in your 20s. Starting later generally calls for 15% or more to reach the same retirement income.
Does the employer match count toward the 15%?
Most guidelines count the match toward the total. A 10% personal contribution plus a 3% match equals a 13% savings rate.
Should I contribute beyond the match?
Usually yes. After capturing the full match, compare paying down high-interest debt and funding an IRA, then return to the 401(k) for additional tax-advantaged saving.
What if I cannot afford 10% right now?
Contribute what you can — even 3% builds the habit and captures part of the match — then schedule automatic 1% increases once or twice a year.