Retirement match and vesting

401(k) Match Calculator

Compare employer retirement-match value between job offers. Estimate annual match, vested value, forfeited match risk, expected-stay value, and how a slow vesting schedule can change the real value of a benefits package.

401(k) match value Vesting schedule Job offer benefits Expected stay Forfeited match risk
Calculate match value Compare job offers Negotiation levers Job offer hub
Educational estimate only. This calculator does not verify plan rules, IRS limits, safe harbor status, eligibility waiting periods, tax treatment, investment returns, or whether a specific employer match will be paid. Check the plan document or benefits summary before relying on the result.

What this calculator answers

Employer match can look like free money, but the real job-offer value depends on how much you contribute, how the match formula works, and whether the match vests before you leave.

Which offer has the better 401(k) match?Compare two employer match formulas side by side. How much match is actually vested?Estimate what you may keep if you leave after your expected stay. What should I verify?Check eligibility, vesting, cap, true-up, and match timing.

Compare 401(k) match value

Enter two job offers or two benefit plans. Use the employer's match formula from the benefits summary, then enter the expected years you may stay to estimate vested value.

Offer A

Current or first offer
Example: 50 means the employer matches $0.50 per $1 you contribute.
Use this for profit sharing, nonelective contributions, or a fixed dollar employer contribution.
Use this if you are evaluating a current employer or an internal transfer.

Offer B

New or second offer
Offer A annual employer match$0Before vesting.
Offer B annual employer match$0Before vesting.
Better vested value—Based on expected stay and vesting.
Offer A vested value$0—
Offer B vested value$0—
Difference in vested value$0Over expected stay.

401(k) match checklist before accepting an offer

QuestionWhy it matters
What is the exact match formula?“50% up to 6%” and “100% up to 3%” can have the same maximum value but feel different when you contribute less.
When are you eligible?Some plans have a waiting period before matching starts. A strong match may be less valuable in your first year if eligibility is delayed.
Is the match immediate, cliff, or graded vesting?If you leave before vesting, some employer contributions may be forfeited.
Is there a true-up?If you front-load contributions early in the year, a true-up can affect whether you receive the full match.
How long do you realistically expect to stay?Expected stay often matters more than headline match percentage when vesting is slow.

How to read the result

The annual employer match shows the headline yearly value before vesting. The vested value estimates the employer-funded amount you may actually keep over your expected stay. If an offer has a higher match but slow vesting, it may lose to a smaller immediate match for a short expected stay.

Use it for offer comparison

Add the vested annualized value to total compensation when comparing offers. Keep it separate from cash salary because it depends on plan rules and your contribution level.

Use it for negotiation

If the new plan has a weaker or slower-vesting match, the gap can support a base salary, signing bonus, or retention discussion.

Related job offer calculators

Job Offer Comparison CalculatorAdd vested match value to a broader comparison of salary, benefits, PTO, commute and equity. Salary Negotiation CalculatorUse the match gap as one of your negotiation levers. RSU / Equity Offer CalculatorCompare retirement vesting alongside equity vesting and expected stay.
Job offer hub Salary vs hourly W2 vs 1099 Signing bonus Relocation offer Severance package

FAQ

Does the calculator include IRS contribution limits?

No. This calculator focuses on job-offer comparison and employer match value. Check current IRS limits and your plan rules before deciding how much to contribute.

Does employee contribution vest?

Your own contributions are generally yours. Vesting mainly affects employer contributions such as match, profit sharing, or other employer-funded amounts.

What if my plan has a different vesting schedule?

Select custom and enter the vested percentage shown in your benefits summary for the point when you expect to leave.

Should I compare match by annual value or vested value?

Use both. Annual match shows headline generosity. Vested value is more realistic if you may leave before full vesting.