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401(k) Contribution Limit Calculator (2026 Deferrals and Catch-Up)

What does this come to under the current IRS rules?

Employee deferral limit with the age 50 and age 60 to 63 catch-up, and the total plan limit under section 415(c).

  • Runs in your browser
  • Nothing stored or sent
  • Free, no sign-up
Your figures
Example figuresIllustrative only. Type over them with your own.
Total employee deferral limit
$35,750
Your 401(k) deferral limit
Employee deferral limit (2026)
$24,500
Catch-up for your age
$11,250
Drawn to one scale
Employee deferral limit (2026)$24,500
Catch-up for your age$11,250
Total employee deferral limit$35,750
Employee plus employer limit (section 415(c))$72,000
Plus catch-up$83,250
All results
MeasureResult
Employee deferral limit (2026)$24,500
Catch-up for your age$11,250
Total employee deferral limit$35,750
Employee plus employer limit (section 415(c))$72,000
Plus catch-up$83,250
How this was worked out
Work shownrecomputed as you type
Deferral limit = $24,500 + catch-up
Catch-up = $8,000 at 50 or older; $11,250 if age 60 to 63
Total contributions = $72,000 + catch-up

Illustrative arithmetic on the figures you enter. Check the result against your firm's methodology before relying on it.

The formulas

  • Deferral limit = $24,500 + catch-up
  • Catch-up = $8,000 at 50 or older; $11,250 if age 60 to 63
  • Total contributions = $72,000 + catch-up

How it works

Tax year: 2026.

For 2026 the elective deferral limit for 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 and the Thrift Savings Plan is $24,500. The age 50 catch-up is $8,000, and employees who turn 60, 61, 62 or 63 in the year have a $11,250 catch-up instead. The total of employee and employer contributions is limited by section 415(c) to $72,000, plus the catch-up. The plan compensation limit is $360,000.

Enter your age at year end. The tool shows the limits only; plan-specific testing and the Roth catch-up wage rule are not modeled.

Illustrative figures only. Check the result against your firm's methodology before relying on it.

Common questions

What is the 2026 401(k) deferral limit?

$24,500. With the age 50 catch-up it is $32,500, and $35,750 for ages 60 to 63.

What is the total limit?

Employee and employer contributions together are limited to $72,000, not counting catch-up.

Which ages get the higher catch-up?

Those who turn 60, 61, 62 or 63 during the calendar year.

Sources

Runs in your browser. The figures you type are not sent to CORAA or stored. Check the result against your firm's methodology before relying on it.

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