Catch-Up Contribution Calculator

2026

Calculate catch-up contribution limits by age and account type including super catch-up.

Regular Limit

$24,500.00

Catch-Up Amount

$7,500.00

Total Allowed

$32,000.00

Contribution Details

Base Contribution Limit$24,500.00
Catch-Up (age 50+)$7,500.00
Total You Can Contribute$32,000.00

Use the Catch-Up Contribution Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Unlock your retirement potential with our Catch-Up Contribution Calculator, meticulously designed for 2026 limits. This tool empowers you to maximize your savings by identifying how much extra you can contribute to your 401(k), IRA, or other eligible accounts, significantly boosting your nest egg as you approach retirement. Don't leave money on the table; understand your full contribution capacity.

Our calculator applies the 2026 IRS-mandated catch-up contribution rules: for 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457(b)s, an additional $7,500 is permitted for those aged 50 and over. For IRAs and Roth IRAs, the catch-up limit is $1,000. These amounts are added directly to the standard contribution limits for the respective account types.

Remember, catch-up contributions are an 'and' not an 'either/or' – they are added to your regular contribution limits. Be aware of employer matching rules, as some plans may not match catch-up contributions. Also, ensure you have sufficient earned income to cover your total contributions.

Example: Maximizing Retirement Savings for a 55-Year-Old

  1. 1 Step 1: Input Account Type and Age. Let's say Sarah, aged 55, wants to calculate her maximum 401(k) contribution for 2026.
  2. 2 Step 2: Apply 2026 Standard and Catch-Up Limits. The 2026 standard 401(k) contribution limit is $23,000. As Sarah is 55, she qualifies for the $7,500 catch-up contribution.
  3. 3 Step 3: Calculate Total Contribution. Add the standard limit to the catch-up contribution: $23,000 (standard) + $7,500 (catch-up) = $30,500.
  4. 4 Step 4: Display Maximum Contribution. Sarah can contribute a total of $30,500 to her 401(k) in 2026, significantly accelerating her retirement savings.

Source: IRS · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are catch-up contributions for retirement accounts?
Catch-up contributions let people aged 50+ contribute extra to retirement accounts beyond the standard limit. For 2026, the catch-up is $7,500 for 401(k)/403(b)/457(b) plans and $1,000 for IRAs. A new "super catch-up" allows $11,250 for 401(k)/403(b) participants aged 60-63.
What is the super catch-up contribution for ages 60-63?
Starting in 2025, participants aged 60-63 in 401(k), 403(b), and governmental 457(b) plans can make enhanced catch-up contributions of $11,250 (2026), replacing the standard $7,500 catch-up. This brings the total possible employee contribution to $35,750 for those ages.
When can I start making catch-up contributions?
You can make catch-up contributions starting in the calendar year you turn 50. For IRAs, the extra $1,000 is available. For employer plans, the standard $7,500 catch-up applies at 50, and the $11,250 super catch-up applies at ages 60-63.

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