TSP growth calculator
Estimate how your Thrift Savings Plan could grow, with or without Blended Retirement System (BRS) service contributions. Every input is yours to change; results are illustrative, not a forecast.
Heads up: your contribution % exceeds the deferral limit in some years (highlighted). Spread contributions so you don't hit the limit before the last pay period, or you'll miss BRS matching for the rest of the year.
Year by year
| Year | YOS | Basic pay | You | Auto 1% | Match | End balance |
|---|
Illustrative only. Assumes even monthly contributions, a constant return compounded monthly, and service eligibility checked at the start of each year. Ignores fees, taxes, catch-up contributions, and inflation (results are in future dollars). Other 2026 limits: catch-up $8,000 (ages 50+) or $11,250 (ages 60-63); total annual additions $72,000.
How BRS contributions work
- Automatic 1%: your service deposits 1% of basic pay every pay period, even if you contribute nothing. It starts after 60 days of service.
- Matching: dollar-for-dollar on the first 3% you contribute, then 50 cents per dollar on the next 2%. Contribute 5% and the service adds 4%, for 5% in total with the automatic 1%.
- Timing: matching starts after 2 years of service (immediately for members who opted into BRS). Both contributions end after 26 years of service.
- There's no match on contributions from special or incentive pay or bonuses.
Sources
Figures last checked 2026-10-21. Every default above is editable, so update it if a rule changes.