401(k) Contribution Limit Calculator (2026) — How Much Room Left
The IRS raised the 2026 401(k) employee contribution limit to $24,500 (up from $23,500), with an $8,000 catch-up for anyone 50 or older, bringing their total to $32,500. This calculator shows exactly how much room you have left this year based on what you've already contributed.
Employee elective-deferral limit only — employer matching/profit-sharing has a separate, higher combined limit ($72,000 for 2026 under age 50). Ages 60-63 may qualify for an additional SECURE 2.0 "super catch-up" — confirm with your plan provider.
Based on IRS-announced 2026 limits ($24,500 base, $8,000 catch-up for 50+). Does not cover the separate 'super catch-up' for ages 60-63 under SECURE 2.0 — confirm your exact figure with your plan provider or irs.gov.
How to use this tool
- Enter your age — 50+ unlocks the higher catch-up limit.
- Enter how much you've already contributed this year (check your latest paystub or plan account).
- Tick the high-earner box if you earn over $150,000 — it flags a rule change affecting how your catch-up must be contributed.
- Press Calculate to see exactly how much more you can put in before hitting the 2026 limit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 401(k) limit for 2026?
$24,500 for employee elective deferrals, up from $23,500 in 2025. If you're 50 or older, you can add a $8,000 catch-up contribution, bringing your total to $32,500.
What is the Roth catch-up rule for high earners?
Starting in 2026, employees 50+ who earned more than $150,000 in the prior year must make their catch-up contributions on an after-tax Roth basis rather than pre-tax — a SECURE 2.0 provision that removes the immediate tax deduction on that portion, though it still grows tax-free.
What if I contribute to 401(k)s at two different employers?
The $24,500 (or $32,500) limit applies across all your employee deferrals combined, even if split between multiple employers in the same year — it's not a per-employer limit. Track your total carefully if you switch jobs mid-year.
What happens if I go over the limit?
You should contact your plan administrator as soon as possible to request an excess-deferral correction before the tax deadline — excess deferrals left uncorrected can effectively be taxed twice (once when contributed, again when withdrawn).