How much does the government match in TSP?

Under the Blended Retirement System (BRS), the government automatically contributes 1% of your base pay and matches your contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 3%, then 50 cents on the dollar from 3-5%. To get the maximum 5% total government contribution, you must contribute at least 5%. This match is free money — not contributing 5% is leaving thousands on the table.

What is the best TSP fund to invest in?

For long-term growth (10+ years to retirement), the C Fund (S&P 500, ~10.2% historical average) and S Fund (small/mid cap, ~10.7%) have the highest historical returns. The Lifecycle (L) funds automatically adjust allocation as you approach retirement. The G Fund is the safest but has the lowest returns (~3.2%). Most financial advisors recommend younger service members allocate heavily to C and S funds.

How much will my TSP be worth at retirement?

An E-5 contributing 5% with BRS match, invested in the C Fund, from age 22 to 42 (20-year career), can expect roughly $200,000-$300,000 in TSP savings. Contributing 10% pushes that to $350,000-$500,000. Contributing 15% from the start of a career, with promotions and compounding, can build $500,000-$800,000+ by retirement. Use the calculator above for your specific projection.

Military TSP Calculator 2026 | BRS Match, Projections & Retirement

Your TSP Could Be Worth $200,000–$800,000+ at Retirement

The Thrift Savings Plan is the military's 401(k) equivalent with the lowest expense ratios in the industry. Under BRS, the government contributes up to 5% of your base pay for free. Not contributing at least 5% is leaving thousands on the table every year. Enter your details below to see what your TSP will be worth — with promotion-aware projections that account for your actual military pay trajectory.

Current Rank

Current Years of Service

Your Contribution: 5% % of base pay. Minimum 5% to get full BRS match.

Retirement System Entered after Jan 1, 2018 = BRS. Pre-2018 who opted in = BRS.

Serve Until (Years of Service)

Primary TSP Fund Historical average annual return. Past performance ≠ future results.

Current TSP Balance ($)

Annual Pay Raise Estimate

Your Current Age Used to project balance to withdrawal age.

Withdrawal Age When you plan to start withdrawing. Penalty-free at 59½.

After Military Separation Most separators leave TSP invested with no new contributions.

Project Contribution Limit Growth?

Rank Progression

Projected TSP Balance at YOS

Your Contributions

Gov Match (Free Money)

Investment Growth

Monthly Retirement Income

Year-by-Year Growth

Balance Growth Over Time

Contributions vs. compound growth — see where the real money comes from

📋 Year-by-Year Breakdown

Year	Age	Rank	Contribution	Match	Growth	Balance

⚠️ Projection Assumptions

This projection assumes steady average returns. Real market returns vary significantly year-to-year. Contribution limits historically grow with inflation, typically $500–1,000/year. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All projections are pre-tax for Traditional TSP, post-tax for Roth TSP. This calculator does not constitute financial advice.

⚠️ Estimates only. Projections use historical average fund returns and assume consistent contributions. Actual results will vary with market performance. TSP contribution limits ($23,500 in 2026) may cap high-percentage contributions at higher ranks. This calculator does not constitute financial advice.

TSP Quick Facts for Military Members

The Thrift Savings Plan has the lowest fees in the investment industry — expense ratios of 0.055% compared to 0.5-1.5% for typical civilian 401(k) funds. Over a 20-year career, that fee difference alone saves you tens of thousands in returns.

Under BRS, the government automatically contributes 1% of your base pay and matches your contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 3%, then 50 cents on the dollar from 3-5%. Contributing less than 5% means you're declining free money. At an E-5's pay, the full match is worth roughly $2,400/year — $48,000+ over a 20-year career before investment growth.

Use the Retirement Calculator to see your pension alongside your TSP projections, and the VA Disability Calculator to estimate your tax-free monthly compensation. The Full Compensation Calculator shows your current total pay including allowances.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I contribute to TSP?

At minimum 5% to capture the full BRS match. Many advisors recommend 15-20% for military members since tax-free allowances (BAH, BAS) cover most living costs and aren't included in the contribution base. Even going from 5% to 10% can add $100,000-$200,000+ to your retirement balance.

What is the best TSP fund?

For long time horizons (10+ years), the C Fund (S&P 500, ~10.2% historical) and S Fund (small/mid cap, ~10.7%) have produced the highest returns. Lifecycle (L) funds automatically shift to bonds as you age. The G Fund is safest but barely beats inflation at ~3.2%. Most financial advisors recommend young service members go heavy in C and S funds.

Does the government still match TSP after I leave the military?

No — BRS matching only occurs while you're serving. After separation, your TSP remains invested and continues to grow, but there are no new government contributions. You can roll your TSP into a civilian 401(k) or IRA, or leave it in TSP (often the best choice due to low fees).

Should I use Roth or Traditional TSP?

Most military members benefit from Roth TSP because military base pay is relatively low (putting you in a lower tax bracket now), and your withdrawals in retirement will be completely tax-free. Traditional TSP gives a tax break now but you'll pay taxes on withdrawals. If you're in a combat zone with tax-free pay, Roth is almost always better.

📈 Military TSP Calculator