401(k) Contribution Limit Calculator 2026: guide
401(k) limits are simple in theory, but confusing in real life because there are multiple limits: employee deferrals, catch-up, and total (employee + employer).
Employee deferral limit vs total limit
Your employee deferral limit is how much YOU can contribute through payroll.
Separately, there is a higher total limit that includes employer match and profit sharing.
Roth 401(k) vs traditional 401(k)
Roth and traditional 401(k) contributions share the same employee deferral cap.
The difference is how they are taxed: traditional is usually pre-tax, Roth is after-tax.
Catch-up contributions
If you are age 50 or older, you can contribute an extra catch-up amount.
This can make a big difference for end-of-year planning.
Changing jobs mid-year
If you switch employers, the employee deferral limit still applies across all employers.
That means you need to track your year-to-date contributions carefully.
Try the calculator
Use our 401(k) contribution limit calculator to estimate your max and how much you can still contribute.