401(k) Contribution Limit Calculator 2026
Calculate remaining contribution room and per-paycheck target in under one minute.
Key takeaways
- Your employee 401(k) deferral limit is separate from the *total* limit (employee + employer).
- Roth 401(k) and traditional 401(k) share the same employee deferral cap.
- Catch-up contributions can raise your max if you’re 50+ (and other rules may apply).
- Updated for **2026** contribution limits (add official numbers).
Calculator
See step-by-step breakdown
How this calculator works
Inputs we ask for
- Age
- Employee contribution amount
- Employer match (optional)
What we calculate
- How close you are to the employee deferral cap
- Whether catch-up may apply
- Estimated total contributions
What this calculator does NOT do
- Verify your plan’s matching formula
- Optimize between Roth vs Traditional
Assumptions + rounding
We compare your inputs to IRS annual limits and round to the nearest dollar.
How this calculator works
Uses a 2026 base limit of $24,500 and adds an age-50+ catch-up of $8,000. Remaining contribution room is divided by paychecks left.
FAQ
Does employer match count toward my employee deferral limit?
No — employer match doesn’t count toward the employee deferral cap, but it does count toward the total contribution limit.
Does Roth 401(k) have a separate limit?
No. Roth 401(k) and traditional 401(k) contributions share the same employee deferral limit.
What if I change jobs mid-year?
The employee deferral limit is across all 401(k)/403(b) plans combined. If you switch employers, you need to track your total.
Can I max out early in the year?
Usually yes, but you might miss some employer match if your plan matches per paycheck. Check your plan rules.
Is this a Solo 401(k)?
Solo plans have additional employer-side options. Add a dedicated Solo 401(k) calculator when you expand.
Is this official tax advice?
No — it’s an estimator. Confirm contributions with your plan and tax professional if needed.
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More resources
These pages explain the rules, assumptions, and constants used in the calculator.