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- Projects your Thrift Savings Plan balance at retirement.
- Builds in the FERS and BRS agency contribution: an automatic 1% plus matching up to 5% of pay.
- Uses the 2026 limit of $24,500 with age 50+ and age 60 to 63 catch-up contributions.
- Shows the balance in today’s dollars and a year-by-year table.
How to use the TSP calculator
Enter your ages and balance
Your current age, retirement age and current TSP balance.
Enter your basic pay and contribution
Your yearly basic pay and the percent you contribute.
Choose agency contributions
FERS and BRS members get the automatic 1% plus matching. Choose none if that does not apply to you.
Adjust the options
Change raises, the yearly limit, catch-up contributions and inflation in the advanced settings.
How TSP matching works
Agency or service contributions (FERS and BRS)
Automatic 1% of basic pay, even if you contribute nothing
Dollar for dollar on the first 3% you contribute
50 cents per dollar on the next 2%
Contribute 5% and the agency adds 5%, for 10% in total.
Matching at different contribution rates
$70,000 basic pay, per year.
- You put in 2% agency adds 3% ($2,100)
- You put in 4% agency adds 4.5% ($3,150)
- You put in 5% or more agency adds 5% ($3,500)
Anything below 5% leaves part of the match unclaimed.
Example: a 30-year career
Age 35 to 65, $25,000 saved, $70,000 pay rising 2% a year, 5% contribution, 6% return.
- Estimated balance at 65 $852,354
- In today’s dollars (2.5% inflation) $406,353
With a 0% return, the same plan would build $235,000 from contributions alone: $105,000 from you and $105,000 from the agency, plus the $25,000 starting balance.
Where a TSP calculator helps
Federal employees
Check whether your TSP is on track alongside your FERS pension.
Military (BRS)
Plan savings under the Blended Retirement System matching.
Choosing a contribution rate
See the long-term value of getting the full 5% match.
Catch-up planning
Model extra contributions from age 50 and the larger ones at 60 to 63.
This calculator does not model specific TSP funds (G, F, C, S, I or L funds). Use a return that fits your mix. It gives an estimate, not financial advice. See how long savings last with the how long will my money last calculator, project other savings with the compound interest calculator, or count down with the retirement countdown calculator.
TSP calculator FAQ
What is the TSP?
The Thrift Savings Plan is the retirement savings plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services, similar to a 401(k).
How much does the agency match?
Under FERS and BRS, an automatic 1% plus a match of 100% on your first 3% and 50% on the next 2%, up to 5% in total.
What is the TSP contribution limit for 2026?
$24,500, plus $8,000 catch-up from age 50, or $11,250 at ages 60 to 63.
How much should I contribute to the TSP?
At least 5% of basic pay to get the full agency match. Many people aim higher if they can.
What return should I use?
It depends on your funds. Many people test a range, such as 4% to 7%, to see different outcomes.
Does this include taxes?
No. Traditional TSP withdrawals are taxed as income. Roth TSP withdrawals can be tax-free if the rules are met.