Use case · Updated August 9, 2026
How much will my TSP grow?
Direct answer
Your TSP grows from contributions + agency match + compound returns over time. Planning example: $50,000 today, $1,500/mo total ($1,000 employee + $500 match), 7% for 25 years → about $1,445,934 projected ( $945,934 growth on $500,000 contributions). Not a guarantee.
Citeable projection table (7% assumption)
| Scenario | Inputs | Projected balance |
|---|---|---|
| Default planner | $50k start · $1k + $500 match · 25 yrs | ~$1,445,934 |
| From zero | $0 start · $500/mo · 20 yrs · no match | ~$253,768 |
| Long career + match | $25k start · $500 + $250 match · 30 yrs | ~$1,067,396 |
Honest limits: ignores fund fees, contribution limit caps, loan defaults, market sequence risk, and changing pay. Roth vs traditional tax treatment is modeled only at a high level in the full calculator.
Simple formula
- Grow today’s balance at the annual return for N years.
- Add the future value of monthly employee + agency contributions, compounding monthly at (1 + annual return)^(1/12) − 1.
- Cap your own contributions at the IRS limit; the full calculator also adds raises, catch-up and today’s-dollar values.
Related TSP questions
The 5% formula: how the TSP match works. The dollar cap: how much you can contribute in 2026.
Use the free calculator
Adjust balance, match, return, and retirement age: TSP growth calculator. Related: 401(k) paycheck impact.