401k Calculator & Guide
Understand how much you can contribute to a 401(k) in 2026, including the regular employee limit, age-based catch-up contributions and the overall annual contribution limit.
The IRS sets annual limits on employee elective deferrals and on total contributions that can be allocated to a defined contribution plan.
The 2026 basic elective-deferral limit for most traditional and Roth 401(k) plans.
Additional catch-up contributions may be available to eligible participants who are age 50 or older by the end of the year.
A higher catch-up limit applies for eligible participants who attain age 60, 61, 62 or 63 during 2026.
These figures summarize the principal federal dollar limits relevant to a typical 401(k) plan for 2026.
| Limit | 2026 Amount | Who / What It Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Employee elective deferrals | $24,500 | Employee salary deferrals to most 401(k) plans |
| Age 50+ catch-up | $8,000 | Eligible participants age 50 or older |
| Age 60–63 higher catch-up | $11,250 | Eligible participants attaining age 60–63 during 2026 |
| Defined contribution annual-additions limit | $72,000 | Overall limit generally covering employee and employer contributions, before applicable catch-ups |
| Maximum compensation considered | $360,000 | Compensation limit used for certain retirement-plan calculations |
| 401(k) highly compensated employee threshold | $160,000 | 2026 threshold for applicable nondiscrimination-test rules |
Source: Internal Revenue Service, 2026 retirement-plan cost-of-living adjustments. Plan-specific rules may impose lower limits.
Use this simple checker to see the applicable employee deferral limit based on your age. It does not determine your plan's specific contribution allowance.
Catch-up contributions allow eligible older participants to contribute beyond the regular elective-deferral limit.
The basic 2026 employee elective-deferral limit.
$24,500 basic limit plus an $8,000 catch-up, if permitted by the plan.
$24,500 basic limit plus the $11,250 higher catch-up for eligible participants attaining ages 60–63 in 2026.
The employee elective-deferral limit and the overall annual additions limit are different. Understanding the distinction helps explain why employer contributions can push total account contributions above $24,500.
Salary contributions you elect to place into the 401(k). Traditional and Roth employee deferrals generally share the applicable elective-deferral limit.
Contributions made by your employer under the plan's matching formula.
Employer contributions that may be made independently of whether you contribute from your salary.
Certain allocations, including forfeitures, can also be included in the overall annual-additions calculation.
Generally, yes. Choosing Roth instead of traditional employee deferrals does not create a second $24,500 employee limit. The applicable employee elective-deferral limit applies across the relevant contributions.
Employee contributions are generally made on a pre-tax basis, subject to the plan's rules and applicable tax treatment.
Designated Roth contributions are made on an after-tax basis. Roth and traditional employee deferrals generally share the same annual elective-deferral limit.
A plan may allow you to divide your employee contributions between traditional and Roth sources, but the combined elective deferrals remain subject to the applicable limit.
The federal elective-deferral limit is adjusted periodically. Looking at recent years shows how the limit has changed.
| Year | Employee Limit | Standard 50+ Catch-Up | Annual Additions Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $22,500 | $7,500 | $66,000 |
| 2024 | $23,000 | $7,500 | $69,000 |
| 2025 | $23,500 | $7,500 | $70,000 |
| 2026 | $24,500 | $8,000 | $72,000 |
Source: Internal Revenue Service historical and 2026 retirement plan cost-of-living adjustment tables.
Your contribution percentage, pay schedule and employer match can affect how quickly you reach the annual employee limit.
Review your plan's contribution rules, match formula and payroll options.
Choose a contribution percentage that works with your salary and the number of pay periods remaining.
Track employee contributions across applicable plans so you do not unintentionally exceed the annual limit.
If you are eligible by age, account for the applicable catch-up contribution limit.
Go deeper into contribution percentages, catch-up rules, employer contributions and Roth 401(k) contributions.
Once you know the annual limit, use the calculators to estimate contributions, employer matching and long-term retirement growth.
Answers to common questions about the 2026 401(k) limits.
Use the current 2026 limits as a starting point, then estimate your contribution strategy with our interactive 401(k) tools.
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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