FERS TSP Calculator
Estimate your Thrift Savings Plan balance at retirement with employer matching and compound growth
Calculate Your TSP Future Value
See how much your Thrift Savings Plan could grow by retirement with agency matching
What is the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)?
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a defined contribution retirement plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services. It's one of the three pillars of the FERS retirement system, alongside the FERS Basic Annuity and Social Security.
Why TSP is One of the Best Retirement Plans
- Lowest Fees: TSP has some of the lowest administrative fees of any retirement plan (often less than 0.05%)
- Employer Matching: Government contributes up to 5% of your salary automatically
- Tax Advantages: Choose between Traditional (pre-tax) or Roth (post-tax) contributions
- High Contribution Limits: $23,500/year in 2026 (plus $7,500 catch-up if 50+)
- Unique G Fund: Only available in TSP, offers higher returns than Treasury bills with no risk
How Agency Matching Works
The government automatically contributes to your TSP account based on your own contributions:
• First 3% of salary: Government matches dollar-for-dollar (100%)
• Next 2% of salary: Government matches 50 cents per dollar (50%)
• Total maximum match: 5% of your salary
Example: If you earn $75,000 and contribute 5%:
• Your contribution: $3,750/year
• Agency match: $3,750/year
• Total annual contribution: $7,500
TSP Fund Options
You can allocate your contributions among five individual funds and several lifecycle (L) funds:
| Fund | Type | Risk Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| G Fund | Government Securities | Very Low | Capital preservation |
| F Fund | Bond Index | Low-Medium | Fixed income exposure |
| C Fund | S&P 500 Index | Medium-High | Large-cap stocks |
| S Fund | Extended Market Index | High | Small/mid-cap stocks |
| I Fund | International Stock Index | High | International diversification |
Lifecycle (L) Funds
If you prefer a hands-off approach, L Funds automatically adjust your asset allocation based on your expected retirement date:
- L Income: For those already in retirement
- L 2030-2065: Target date funds (choose the year closest to your retirement)
- Automatic Rebalancing: Becomes more conservative as target date approaches
Frequently Asked Questions About TSP
At minimum, contribute enough to get the full 5% agency match—it's free money! Ideally, aim for 10-15% of your salary including the match. If you're behind on retirement savings, consider contributing the maximum ($23,500 in 2026, plus $7,500 catch-up if 50+).
Traditional TSP: Contributions reduce your taxable income now, but withdrawals in retirement are taxed. Best if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement.
Roth TSP: Contributions are made after-tax, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Best if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement or want tax diversification.
Many financial advisors recommend splitting contributions between both types for tax flexibility in retirement.
Yes, but with restrictions:
Age 59½: You can make penalty-free withdrawals (but still owe income tax on Traditional TSP)
Financial Hardship: Limited withdrawal options for specific expenses
TSP Loan: You can borrow up to $50,000 or 50% of your balance (whichever is less) while still employed
Separation from Service: Full withdrawal or rollover options when you leave federal service
Early withdrawals before 59½ may incur a 10% penalty unless an exception applies.
You have several options:
1. Leave it in TSP: Keep your money invested with low fees
2. Monthly Payments: Set up systematic withdrawals
3. Rollover to IRA: Move to a traditional or Roth IRA
4. Lump Sum: Withdraw all at once (not recommended—triggers large tax bill)
5. Combination: Use multiple options for flexibility
Remember: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) must start at age 73 under SECURE Act 2.0.
The G Fund is unique to TSP and offers a special advantage: it pays interest rates similar to long-term Treasury bonds but with no risk of principal loss. This makes it excellent for:
• Conservative investors who can't tolerate volatility
• The fixed-income portion of your portfolio
• Preserving capital as you approach retirement
However, younger investors with longer time horizons may want to allocate more to stock funds (C, S, I) for higher growth potential. A balanced approach often includes some G Fund for stability.
Plan Your Complete FERS Retirement
TSP is just one piece of your retirement puzzle. Calculate your full FERS benefits including pension and Social Security.
TSP growth, contributions, and retirement cash flow
Use the sections below to align this calculator with your real planning questions—each block matches a common search intent.
Why TSP sits beside FERS
Your pension replaces part of salary; TSP fills the gap—model both together for retirement spending.
Contribution limits & match
Federal matching follows IRS rules; this tool focuses on growth math, not payroll compliance.
Withdrawal phase
When you retire, sequence Roth vs traditional withdrawals and RMD timing—pair with withdrawal calculators.
Modeling assumptions
- Returns are hypothetical; markets fluctuate.
- Loan balances and catch-up contributions are simplified.
Related Calculators & Guides
Authority & primary sources
Official rules change periodically. Cross-check estimates with Retirement Services at OPM.gov and your agency’s human resources office.
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