Catch-Up Contribution Calculator

Free catch-up contribution calculator for 2026. Compare extra retirement-plan savings by plan type, age bracket, and the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up window for ages 60-63.

About the Catch-Up Contribution Calculator

The Catch-Up Contribution Calculator shows the additional retirement-plan savings available once you turn 50. Catch-up contributions are an IRS provision that lets older workers contribute more than the base plan limit during the years when many people are trying to close the gap between current savings and retirement goals.

For 2026, the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up still applies for ages 60-63, increasing the standard catch-up amount for 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plans, with a separate higher catch-up amount for SIMPLE plans. This calculator lays out the current limits by plan type and age bracket, then estimates the future value of those additional contributions through age 65.

Why Use This Catch-Up Contribution Calculator?

Many savers know catch-up contributions exist, but not how the numbers change by plan type or age bracket. This worksheet makes the current rules visible in one place so you can see how much extra room is available and how meaningful the 60-63 window can be if you use it.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your age.
  2. Set an annual growth rate for the future-value projection.
  3. Review the current plan limits for each retirement account type.
  4. Check the age-bracket table to see where you fit today.
  5. Use the projection section to estimate the value of catch-up savings through age 65.

Formula

401(k)/403(b)/Gov 457(b): Base $24,500 + Standard catch-up $8,000 (50+) or Super catch-up $11,250 (60-63) Traditional/Roth IRA: Base $7,500 + Catch-up $1,100 (50+) SIMPLE IRA: Base $17,000 + Standard catch-up $4,000 (50+) or Super catch-up $5,250 (60-63) Future Value = Annual Catch-Up × (1 + Growth Rate) ^ Years Remaining

Example Calculation

Result: Super catch-up: $11,250 extra in 401(k), total $35,750

At age 62, you are in the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up window. Your 401(k) catch-up is $11,250 instead of the standard $8,000, bringing the total 401(k) limit to $35,750. The IRA catch-up is $1,100, which raises the IRA total to $8,600.

Tips & Best Practices

Why Catch-Up Contributions Matter

Catch-up contributions let older workers save beyond the base plan limit during the years when income may be higher and retirement may be closer. Even without assuming a specific return, the additional room can materially change the amount directed to retirement accounts over the final working decade.

The 60-63 Window

The most important planning feature here is the temporary ages 60-63 super catch-up. That window is limited, so payroll elections and account strategy matter more than they do under the ordinary age-50 catch-up rules.

Using This Worksheet

This page is most useful as a planning worksheet. It shows current IRS limits, how the age brackets differ, and the value of making those extra contributions if they remain invested through age 65. You should still confirm plan-specific payroll, Roth, and matching rules with your administrator.

Sources & Methodology

Last updated:

Methodology

This worksheet applies the current IRS base contribution limits and age-based catch-up amounts by plan type, then projects the future value of those extra contributions through age 65 using the selected annual growth rate. It is a planning aid, not a payroll or tax-filing calculation.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can I make catch-up contributions?

You must be at least 50 by the end of the calendar year to make standard catch-up contributions. The higher SECURE 2.0 super catch-up applies only from ages 60 through 63 for certain plan types.

What is the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up for 2026?

For 2026, the super catch-up is $11,250 for 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plans if you are age 60-63. SIMPLE plans have their own higher 60-63 catch-up amount of $5,250.

Do SEP IRAs have catch-up contributions?

No. SEP IRAs do not have a separate catch-up provision. Their contribution room is determined by the employer contribution formula and the annual SEP limit rather than age-based catch-up amounts.

Can I make catch-up contributions to both a 401(k) and an IRA?

Yes, if you are eligible for both. In 2026 that means a standard 401(k) catch-up of $8,000 (or $11,250 at ages 60-63) plus an IRA catch-up of $1,100.

Are catch-up contributions always pre-tax or always Roth?

No. The available tax treatment depends on plan design and current IRS implementation guidance. Review your current plan notices before assuming catch-up money will be treated a specific way.

Does the IRA catch-up amount change?

Yes. The IRA catch-up is now indexed for inflation and increases to $1,100 for 2026.

Related Pages