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2026 401(k) Contribution Calculator
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Single filer brackets. See all 2026 brackets →
Contribution limits sourced from IRS.gov. Tax savings are estimates based on marginal rate only and do not constitute financial or tax advice.
Enter your details on the left to see a plain-English summary.
Reference
2026 401(k) Limits by Age
Same limits apply to 403(b), governmental 457(b), and the federal TSP.
| Age group | Employee limit | Catch-up | Your total | §415 total (incl. employer) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 | — | $24,500 | $72,000 |
| Age 50–59 and 64+ | $24,500 | +$8,000 | $32,500 | $80,000 |
| Age 60–63 (SECURE 2.0 super catch-up) | $24,500 | +$11,250 | $35,750 | $83,250 |
Compensation limit: $360,000. Workers with prior-year FICA wages above $150,000 must make catch-up contributions as Roth starting 2026. Full details →
How it works
Three numbers that matter
Your deferral limit
Max you can contribute from your paycheck — pre-tax, Roth, or a mix. The limit adjusts automatically based on your age.
Employer match
Free money from your employer, up to a cap. Always contribute at least enough to capture the full match — it's an instant guaranteed return.
Real cost after taxes
Pre-tax contributions reduce your taxable income. The higher your bracket, the less a contribution actually costs you out of pocket.
FAQ
Common Questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
The employee elective deferral limit is $24,500. Age 50–59 and 64+ can add a $8,000 catch-up for $32,500 total. Age 60–63 use the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up of $11,250, reaching $35,750. The same limits apply to 403(b), governmental 457(b), and the TSP.
Does my 401(k) contribution reduce my taxable income?
Yes — traditional (pre-tax) 401(k) contributions reduce your federal taxable income in the year you contribute. If you're in the 22% bracket and contribute $10,000, you save $2,200 in federal taxes. State tax savings may apply additionally. Roth 401(k) contributions don't reduce current taxes but qualified withdrawals are completely tax-free.
What is the new 2026 super catch-up for ages 60–63?
Under SECURE 2.0, workers aged exactly 60, 61, 62, or 63 can contribute a super catch-up of $11,250 instead of the standard $8,000 catch-up, for a total of $35,750. At 64 you revert to the standard catch-up. This applies to 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b), and TSP.
What is the 401(k) total annual additions limit?
The IRS §415(c) limit — covering your contributions plus all employer contributions combined — is $72,000 for 2026 ($80,000 with standard catch-up, $83,250 with super catch-up). Employer contributions don't count against your personal elective deferral limit.