TSP Calculator
Project the future value of your Thrift Savings Plan with your own contributions, the BRS or FERS employer match and an expected rate of return.
Free · No sign-up · Runs in your browser · Last reviewed November 2026
Advertisement
About the TSP Calculator
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the retirement savings plan for federal employees and the uniformed services. This TSP calculator projects your balance from your current balance, pay, contribution rate, employer contributions, yearly raises and an expected return. Under the Blended Retirement System (BRS) the Department of Defense contributes 1% of basic pay automatically and matches your own contributions up to an additional 4%, for 5% total when you contribute at least 5%. Federal civilian employees under FERS receive a similar 1% automatic plus up to 4% match.
How to use it
- Enter your current TSP balance and annual basic pay.
- Enter your contribution percentage and the employer contribution percentage (5% under BRS or FERS when you contribute 5%).
- Enter the years to retirement, an expected return and your yearly raise, then press Project TSP balance.
TSP projection formula
Each month the balance grows by the monthly rate of return and then receives the contribution: balance = balance × (1 + monthly return) + monthly pay × (your % + employer %). Pay rises once a year. Example: a $20,000 balance, $48,000 of pay, 5% own and 5% employer contributions, a 2% yearly raise and a 6% return reach about $245,518 in 20 years.
BRS matching schedule
| Your contribution | Automatic | Matching | Total government contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 1% | 0% | 1% |
| 1% | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| 3% | 1% | 3% | 4% |
| 4% | 1% | 3.5% | 4.5% |
| 5% or more | 1% | 4% | 5% |
Ways to grow your TSP
- Contribute at least 5% to receive the full match. Skipping it leaves free money behind.
- Increase your contribution when you get a raise.
- Choose a Roth or traditional option based on your tax situation. Combat zone pay can be contributed tax-free to the Roth TSP.
- Keep fees in mind. TSP index funds have very low expense ratios.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the military match in the TSP?
Under the Blended Retirement System, 1% automatic contribution plus matching up to 4% more of basic pay, for a total of 5% if you contribute at least 5%.
When does the BRS match start?
Automatic 1% contributions begin after 60 days of service, and matching starts after 2 years of service.
What is a good TSP balance?
It depends on your age and goals. A common guide is to aim for several times your annual salary by retirement, and combining TSP with a pension helps.
What return should I assume?
Long-term stock returns have averaged roughly 7% to 10% before inflation, but the future is uncertain. 6% is a moderate illustration, not a prediction.
Can I contribute to the TSP while deployed?
Yes. Pay earned in a combat zone can go in tax-free to the Roth TSP, and the tax exclusion still applies.
What is the difference between traditional and Roth TSP?
Traditional contributions reduce taxes now and are taxed at withdrawal. Roth contributions are taxed now and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Projection only. TSP funds can lose value and returns are not guaranteed.