The calculator default is 100% of the first 4% on $100,000 ($4,000). The leftover most $84,000 stubs need is the same formula with a 5% cap.
On $84,000 of recognized pay, 100% of the first 5% is $4,200, and only after you defer $4,200 yourself.
That is a different story from 100% of the first 6% on $90,000 (match 100% of 6%, $5,400), 100% of the first 4% on $72,000 (match 100% of 4%, $2,880), and 100% of the first 4% on $60,000 (IRA vs 401(k) match first, $2,400). Same engine, different knobs.
Run the employer match calculator →
Hub: United States calculators.
Vesting, true-up, and the §415(c) annual-additions cap are out of this engine. Recognized pay stops at the 2026 IRC 401(a)(17) limit of $360,000. Estimate, not tax advice.
Direct answer: $84,000 → $4,200
- Recognized pay = min($84,000, $360,000) = $84,000
- You defer 5% = $4,200
- Matched percent = min(5%, 5% cap) = 5%
- Match rate = 100%
- Employer match = $84,000 × 5% × 100% = $4,200
recognized pay = min(compensation, $360,000)
matched % = min(your deferral %, plan cap %)
employer match = recognized pay × matched % × match rate
Three leftovers on the same $84,000
| Your deferral | Formula | You put in | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% | 100% of first 5% | $4,200 | $4,200 |
| 6% | 100% of first 5% | $5,040 | $4,200 |
| 2.5% | 100% of first 5% | $2,100 | $2,100 |
| 6% | 100% of first 4% | $5,040 | $3,360 |
Deferring past the cap does not raise the match. 6% on a 5% cap is still $4,200.
What this is not
- Free money if you defer 0%. The match is a percent of the percent you actually defer, up to the cap.
- The $24,500 elective cap. Employee deferrals have their own limit. 401(k) room after $15,000.
- A SIMPLE plan. SIMPLE elective room is $17,000. SIMPLE room after $8,000.
No. Matched percent is min(6%, 5%) = 5%. The extra 1% is unmatched employee money.
No. The $24,500 figure is employee elective deferrals. Employer match is a separate annual-additions bucket.
Recognized pay stops at $360,000. 100% of the first 5% on that cap is $18,000.
IRS COLA limits · annual compensation $360,000 (2026)