401(k) Contribution Calculator

About the 401(k) Contribution Calculator

The 401(k) Contribution Calculator helps you determine how much you can still contribute to your 401(k) in 2026 and what that translates to per paycheck. For 2026, the IRS contribution limit is $24,500 for those under 50, and $32,500 for those 50 and older (including the $8,000 catch-up contribution). A higher catch-up of $11,250 applies for ages 60-63.

Knowing your remaining contribution room and per-paycheck amount helps you plan to maximize your 401(k) before year-end. This is especially important if you want to hit the annual limit, capture the full employer match, or adjust your contribution rate after mid-year changes.

Enter your salary, year-to-date contributions, pay frequency, and age to see your remaining room and optimal per-paycheck amount. Understanding contribution limits and paycheck timing helps you capture the maximum tax advantage and avoid triggering plan excess-deferral corrections at year end. Proper planning also prevents front-loading that reduces your employer match.

When This Page Helps

Maximizing your 401(k) contributions provides significant tax savings and retirement growth. This calculator shows exactly how much room you have left in the year and the per-paycheck amount needed to hit the limit, helping you avoid under-contributing or accidentally exceeding the annual cap. Starting early in the year gives your contributions more time to grow tax-deferred.

How to Use the Inputs

1. Enter your annual gross salary.
2. Enter your year-to-date 401(k) contributions (check your pay stub).
3. Select your pay frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly).
4. Enter the number of pay periods remaining this year.
5. Enter your age to determine catch-up eligibility.
6. Review your remaining contribution room and per-paycheck amount.

Example Calculation

Tips & Best Practices

• Check your pay stub for your year-to-date 401(k) contributions.
• The 2026 401(k) limit is $24,500.
• Those 50+ can contribute an extra $8,000 catch-up contribution.
• The SECURE 2.0 Act adds a higher catch-up of $11,250 for ages 60-63.
• If your employer allows true-up matching, you won't lose match by front-loading contributions.
• Consider increasing your contribution rate each year by 1-2% to gradually reach the maximum.
• Employer contributions do NOT count toward the $24,500 employee deferral limit.

Understanding Contribution Limits

The IRS adjusts 401(k) contribution limits annually for inflation. For 2026, the base employee limit is $24,500. The catch-up contribution for those 50+ adds $8,000, bringing the total to $32,500. The higher catch-up for ages 60-63 raises this further to $35,750. These limits apply across all 401(k) plans if you have multiple employers.

Per-Paycheck Strategy

To maximize your 401(k), calculate how much you need to contribute each paycheck to hit the annual limit. If you are starting mid-year or adjusting your rate, dividing remaining room by remaining pay periods gives you the exact amount. Some employers cap contribution rates at a percentage, so ensure your per-paycheck amount is achievable within plan rules.

True-Up Matching

If you plan to front-load contributions, verify whether your employer offers "true-up" matching. Without true-up, if you hit the $24,500 limit by October, your employer stops matching for November and December. True-up ensures your annual match is based on total contributions regardless of timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?

  The employee deferral limit for 2026 is $24,500. If you are 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $8,000 (total $32,500). Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, those aged 60-63 get a higher catch-up of $11,250 instead (total $35,750). Employer contributions are separate and do not count toward these employee deferral limits.

• What happens if I over-contribute to my 401(k)?

  If you exceed the annual limit, you must withdraw the excess contributions (plus earnings) by April 15 of the following year. Otherwise, you'll be taxed twice — once when contributed and again when withdrawn in retirement. Most payroll systems automatically stop deductions at the limit.

• Does my employer match count toward the employee deferral limit?

  No. Employer matching contributions do not count toward the employee elective-deferral limit of $24,500. However, there is a combined total limit (employee + employer) of $72,000 for 2026 ($80,000 with catch-up, or up to $83,250 for ages 60-63). This higher limit is rarely reached by most employees.

• Should I front-load my 401(k) contributions?

  Front-loading (contributing heavily early in the year) gets your money invested sooner, which historically produces better returns. However, if your employer matches per-paycheck and doesn't offer a "true-up" at year-end, you could miss out on matching for months when you've already hit the limit. Check your plan's true-up policy before front-loading.

• What is the SECURE 2.0 higher catch-up?

  Starting in 2026, employees aged 60-63 can make an enhanced catch-up contribution of $11,250 instead of the standard $8,000 catch-up. This brings their total employee deferral limit to $35,750. The provision reverts to the standard catch-up at age 64. This provides a significant window to boost retirement savings.

• Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA?

  Yes, you can contribute to both. The 401(k) elective-deferral limit ($24,500 in 2026, plus catch-up if eligible) and IRA limit ($7,500, or $8,600 if 50+) are separate. However, if you have a 401(k) and earn above certain thresholds, your Traditional IRA contribution may not be tax-deductible. You can still use a Roth IRA if you are within the income phase-out or consider a backdoor Roth strategy.