How-to · FERS and BRS formula · Updated October 2, 2026
How does the TSP match work?
Direct answer
Contribute 5% of basic pay and the agency adds 5%: a 1% automatic contribution plus a 4% match (100% of your first 3%, then 50% of the next 2%). On an $80,000 salary that is $4,000 from you and $4,000 from the agency. Contributing more than 5% does not raise the match.
$80,000 salary, one year
| You contribute | Your dollars | Automatic 1% | Match | Agency total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | $0 | $800 | $0 | $800 |
| 1% | $800 | $800 | $800 | $1,600 |
| 2% | $1,600 | $800 | $1,600 | $2,400 |
| 3% | $2,400 | $800 | $2,400 | $3,200 |
| 4% | $3,200 | $800 | $2,800 | $3,600 |
| 5% | $4,000 | $800 | $3,200 | $4,000 |
| 10% | $8,000 | $800 | $3,200 | $4,000 |
Same formula the TSP growth calculator uses for FERS and for BRS members who receive agency contributions. CSRS and non-BRS uniformed service generally receive none.
What that gap becomes by age 62
Age 35 to 62, $80,000 salary with no raises, starting from $0, 7% a year. This is a teaching projection, not a fund forecast.
- 0% from you: agency still deposits $800 a year. Balance about $61,475.
- 3%: you miss $800 of match in year one. Balance about $430,328.
- 5%: full match, $108,000 from the agency over the 27 years. Balance about $614,755.
- 10%: agency total stays $108,000. Your extra 5% is why the balance is about $922,132.
Limits
- Matching uses basic pay. The formula here does not match overtime, bonuses, or awards.
- The 1% automatic contribution vests on a separate schedule from your own money. Check TSP.gov for your service date.
- A steady 7% is a planning assumption. G, F, C, S, I, and L Funds do not return 7% every year.
Use the calculator
The 2026 dollar cap: how much you can contribute to the TSP. Growth examples: how much will my TSP grow? Run your own pay in the TSP growth calculator.