401(k) Plan Benchmark Calculator
Compare your plan's performance against industry standards
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Overall Plan Health Score
Plan Fees
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Participation Rate
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Investment Performance
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Deferral Rate
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Employer Match
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Plan Design Score
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Key Recommendations
Important Disclaimers
This calculator is for educational and illustrative purposes only. The benchmarks shown are based on generalized industry averages and may not reflect the specific circumstances of your plan. Actual benchmarks vary significantly based on plan size, industry, demographics, and regional factors. This tool does not constitute investment advice, fiduciary guidance, or a formal plan benchmark study.
The results should not be used as the sole basis for making decisions about your retirement plan. For a comprehensive benchmark analysis tailored to your specific plan, consult with a qualified retirement plan advisor or conduct a formal benchmarking study through your plan provider. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
The results should not be used as the sole basis for making decisions about your retirement plan. For a comprehensive benchmark analysis tailored to your specific plan, consult with a qualified retirement plan advisor or conduct a formal benchmarking study through your plan provider. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
| Plan size | What the widget uses (illustrative) | Research-based typical values* |
|---|---|---|
| Under $5M | Fees 1.15%; Participation 78%; 5-yr return 9.2%; Deferral 6.8%; Match 3.5% | Fees: ~1.04% plan-weighted (maps to $1M–$10M and <$1M) [Exhibit 4.1]. Participation: plan-weighted ~85% overall; smaller plans show lower rates (<500 participants ~82%). Deferral: average 7.7%. Match: average promised match 4.6% of pay. |
| $5M – $50M | Fees 0.95%; Participation 82%; 5-yr return 9.5%; Deferral 7.2%; Match 4.0% | Fees: ~0.74%–1.04% (spans $10M–$50M and $1M–$10M) [Exhibit 4.1]. Participation: plan-weighted ~85%. Deferral: average 7.7%. Match: average promised match 4.6% of pay. |
| $50M – $500M | Fees 0.72%; Participation 85%; 5-yr return 9.8%; Deferral 7.5%; Match 4.5% | Fees: ~0.39%–0.56% (covers $250M–$500M, $100M–$250M, and $50M–$100M) [Exhibit 4.1]. Participation: plan-weighted ~85%. Deferral: average 7.7%. Match: average promised match 4.6% of pay. |
| Over $500M | Fees 0.58%; Participation 88%; 5-yr return 10.1%; Deferral 7.8%; Match 5.0% | Fees: ~0.27%–0.34% ($>1B and $500M–$1B) [Exhibit 4.1]. Participation: plan-weighted ~85%. Auto-enroll vs. voluntary: 94% vs 64% participation. Deferral: average 7.7%. Match: average promised match 4.6% of pay. |
* Research values use Vanguard’s How America Saves 2025 (plan-weighted where applicable) and BrightScope/ICI 2022 fee data by asset size. Vanguard does not publish a single 5-year return benchmark for plans. Use the client’s lineup or your preferred policy index.
Sources: Vanguard — How America Saves 2025 | BrightScope/ICI — DC Plan Profile 2022 (Exhibit 4.1)
