2026 401(k) limits
| Age | Employee limit |
|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 |
| 50–59 and 64+ | $32,500 ($24,500 + $8,000 catch-up) |
| 60–63 | $35,750 ($24,500 + $11,250 catch-up) |
Source: IRS announcement of 2026 retirement plan limits. The calculator caps your contributions at these amounts.
Example
A 30-year-old earning $70,000 with $20,000 saved, contributing 10% with a 50% match on the first 6%, 3% yearly raises and a 7% return, could have about $2.4 million at 67 (before tax and in future dollars). About $463,000 comes from their own contributions and $139,000 from the employer; the rest is growth.
Ways to boost your 401(k)
- Always get the full match. It is an instant return on your money.
- Increase your rate by 1% a year; many plans can do this automatically.
- Keep fees low by choosing index funds where available.
- Avoid early withdrawals and loans, which can trigger taxes, penalties and lost growth.
See your whole retirement picture with the retirement calculator, or add a Roth IRA.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?
For 2026 you can defer up to $24,500 of your salary. If you are 50 or older you can add a catch-up contribution of $8,000 (total $32,500), and if you are 60 to 63 the catch-up is $11,250 (total $35,750). Employer contributions do not count toward your personal limit.
How does an employer match work?
A common formula is "50% match on the first 6% of salary". If you contribute 6% of a $70,000 salary ($4,200), your employer adds $2,100. Contributing less than the matched percentage leaves free money on the table.
Does the calculator include future limit increases?
No. It holds contribution limits at 2026 levels for every year, which keeps the projection conservative. The IRS usually raises the limits over time with inflation.
Are 401(k) results before or after tax?
The balance shown is before tax. Withdrawals from a traditional 401(k) are taxed as income in retirement. A Roth 401(k) is funded with after-tax money and qualified withdrawals are tax-free.
What return should I use?
Many people use 6% to 8% for a diversified, stock-heavy portfolio over decades, but returns vary from year to year and are not guaranteed. Try a lower rate to see a more cautious estimate.