401k Calculator & Guide
The IRS has not yet released the official 2027 401(k) contribution limits. This page tracks the upcoming limits, explains how the annual adjustments work, and shows the latest official figures available today.
Retirement plan dollar limits are adjusted periodically for cost-of-living changes. The IRS publishes the official figures for each year.
Until the IRS publishes its 2027 cost-of-living adjustment, there is no official 2027 dollar amount for the basic 401(k) elective-deferral limit, catch-up limits or annual additions limit. This page will use the official IRS figures once they are released.
2027 basic elective-deferral limit is pending. The 2026 official limit is $24,500.
2027 PENDINGThe 2027 catch-up amount is pending. The 2026 amount is $8,000.
2027 PENDINGThe enhanced 2027 amount is pending. The 2026 amount is $11,250.
2027 PENDINGThe 2027 overall defined-contribution limit is pending. The 2026 amount is $72,000.
2027 PENDINGUse the 2026 figures as the current official reference, not as a substitute for the eventual 2027 limits.
| 401(k) Limit | 2026 Official | 2027 Status |
|---|---|---|
| Employee elective deferral | $24,500 | Not announced |
| Age 50+ catch-up | $8,000 | Not announced |
| Age 60–63 higher catch-up | $11,250 | Not announced |
| Defined contribution annual additions | $72,000 | Not announced |
| Annual compensation limit | $360,000 | Not announced |
The 2026 figures shown above are official IRS amounts. The 2027 figures should not be treated as known until the IRS publishes the applicable cost-of-living adjustments.
Understanding which limit applies to your situation helps prevent confusion between your own salary deferrals and total contributions credited to your account.
Catch-up contributions allow eligible older workers to contribute above the basic elective-deferral limit when their plan permits them.
The 2026 standard catch-up amount is $8,000. The 2027 amount has not yet been announced.
The enhanced 2026 catch-up amount is $11,250. The 2027 amount has not yet been announced.
Certain higher-paid participants are subject to Roth catch-up requirements beginning in 2026 when the applicable conditions are met.
Employer contributions generally do not simply replace your employee deferral limit. They are considered when applying the overall annual contribution rules.
You elect how much of your eligible compensation to defer, subject to the applicable annual limit and your plan rules.
Your employer may contribute matching or nonelective contributions according to the plan document.
Employee and employer contributions can be subject to the overall annual additions limit.
These examples use the current 2026 basic employee limit of $24,500. They are not estimates of the 2027 limit.
Actual payroll deductions can vary because of plan rules, compensation, contribution elections and payroll timing.
You do not need to wait for the final number to review your retirement contribution strategy.
Check the percentage of your salary currently going into your 401(k).
Review your plan documents to understand the matching formula, eligibility and vesting rules.
When the 2027 limit is announced, compare it with your planned annual contributions and update your election if needed.
Explore contribution rules, calculators and related retirement planning guides.
Common questions about the upcoming contribution limits.
Use the current contribution tools to understand your savings rate, employer match and potential retirement contributions. Return here when the official 2027 IRS figures are released.
Clear guides, useful calculators and practical retirement resources to help you understand your 401(k), contributions, employer matching, Roth options, rollovers and long-term savings.
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