See how your contribution percentage translates into annual and monthly savings,
estimate your employer contribution and compare your savings with the applicable
annual contribution limits.
A percentage of your paycheck can become a meaningful annual contribution.
10%OF SALARY
$8,000Annual contribution
$667Monthly average
INTERACTIVE TOOL
Calculate Your 401(k) Contribution
Enter your salary and contribution percentage to estimate your annual,
monthly and per-paycheck contributions.
Your Contribution Details
Your annual eligible compensation.
Percentage of salary directed to your 401(k).
Used to estimate your contribution per paycheck.
Example: 50% means $0.50 per $1 contributed.
Maximum salary percentage eligible for matching.
Used to identify possible 2026 catch-up eligibility.
ESTIMATED ANNUAL EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION
$8,000
Monthly average
$667
Per paycheck
$308
Employer match
$2,400
Combined contribution
$10,400
Salary$80,000
Contribution rate10%
Matchable contribution$4,800
2026 employee limit statusWithin limit
Standard 2026 employee elective-deferral limit is $24,500.
Your Annual Contribution Breakdown
$10,400 combined
Your contribution
Employer contribution
Remaining employee limit
CONTRIBUTION RATE
What Does Your Contribution Percentage Mean?
Your contribution percentage determines how much of your eligible salary
is directed into the account through payroll.
5%
5% Contribution
On an $80,000 salary, a 5% contribution equals $4,000 per year,
before considering employer contributions.
10%
10% Contribution
On an $80,000 salary, a 10% contribution equals $8,000 per year.
15%
15% Contribution
On an $80,000 salary, a 15% contribution equals $12,000 per year.
Contribution percentages are not the same as investment returns.
Your contribution percentage determines how much new money enters your
account. Investment performance determines how the invested account value
changes after money is contributed.
2026 CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
Know the 2026 401(k) Contribution Limits
The IRS separates employee elective deferral limits from the overall
annual additions limit that includes certain employer contributions.
Limit
2026 Amount
Who / What It Applies To
Employee elective deferrals
$24,500
Standard 401(k) employee contributions
Age 50+ catch-up
$8,000
Eligible participants age 50+
Age 60–63 higher catch-up
$11,250
Eligible participants attaining age 60–63
Defined contribution annual additions
$72,000
Overall annual additions limit before catch-up contributions
Your plan can have a lower contribution limit.
IRS limits are not necessarily the amount your particular employer's
plan allows. Plan terms and other applicable rules can impose lower
limits.
CATCH-UP CONTRIBUTIONS
Additional 401(k) Contributions After Age 50
Eligible participants can make catch-up contributions above the standard
elective-deferral limit, if the plan permits them.
50+
Age 50 and Older
For 2026, the general catch-up contribution limit for most 401(k)
plans is $8,000.
60–63
Higher Catch-Up Window
For 2026, eligible participants who attain age 60, 61, 62 or 63
can have a higher catch-up limit of $11,250.
+
Beyond the Standard Limit
Catch-up contributions are separate from the standard $24,500
elective-deferral limit.
Catch-up eligibility can involve additional rules.
The calculator identifies the applicable age category for educational
purposes, but it does not determine whether your specific plan permits
catch-up contributions or whether other plan rules apply.
CONTRIBUTION EXAMPLES
See How Salary Changes the Dollar Amount
These examples use the same contribution percentages to show how
salary affects annual contributions.
Annual Salary
5%
10%
15%
20%
$50,000
$2,500
$5,000
$7,500
$10,000
$75,000
$3,750
$7,500
$11,250
$15,000
$100,000
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$150,000
$7,500
$15,000
$22,500
$30,000*
*Annual contribution limits can cap actual employee contributions.
For 2026, the standard employee elective-deferral limit is $24,500.
The calculator automatically applies that standard limit when estimating
employee contributions.
401(K) CALCULATOR CLUSTER
Explore More 401(k) Calculators
Use the other tools in the 401k.blog calculator hub to explore
matching, growth, retirement and Roth scenarios.
The standard 2026 employee elective-deferral limit for most 401(k)
plans is $24,500. Eligible participants may be able to make additional
catch-up contributions.
There is no single contribution percentage that applies to everyone.
Your decision can depend on your income, retirement goals, employer
match, other savings and personal financial circumstances.
Employee elective deferrals and total annual additions are subject to
different limits. Employer matching contributions can count toward the
overall annual additions limit.
Excess elective deferrals can create a plan compliance issue and may
need to be corrected. The IRS provides specific rules for correcting
excess contributions.
If your plan permits both contribution types, you can generally divide
your employee elective deferrals between traditional and Roth
contributions, subject to the applicable combined elective-deferral
limits.
No. The calculator provides educational estimates. Your plan rules,
taxes, compensation, financial goals and other circumstances can affect
the appropriate contribution decision.
Your Contribution Is Only the Beginning
Calculate your contribution, then explore employer matching and growth
projections to see how different pieces of your 401(k) can work together.
Educational disclaimer:
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only.
It does not provide financial, tax or investment advice. Contribution limits,
plan rules, compensation definitions, employer matching formulas and catch-up
eligibility can vary. Always review your plan documents and current IRS
guidance for rules applicable to your situation.
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