Catch-Up Contribution Calculator
2026Calculate catch-up contribution limits by age and account type including super catch-up.
By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: IRS
Regular Limit
$24,500.00
Catch-Up Amount
$8,000.00
Total Allowed
$32,500.00
Contribution Details
| Base Contribution Limit | $24,500.00 |
| Catch-Up (age 50+) | $8,000.00 |
| Total You Can Contribute | $32,500.00 |
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
Workers in their fifties and sixties get a second lever to pull on retirement savings: the catch-up contribution. Once you turn 50, the IRS lets you set aside more than the standard annual limit across your 401(k), IRA, and other eligible accounts. Entering your age and account types here shows the extra room you have under the 2026 rules, so none of that capacity goes unused.
The figures follow the 2026 IRS schedule. Workplace plans such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457(b)s allow an extra $7,500 for anyone aged 50 and over. IRAs and Roth IRAs allow a smaller catch-up of $1,000. In each case the catch-up amount stacks on top of the standard contribution limit for that account rather than replacing it.
Two practical points shape what you can actually contribute. Catch-up amounts are additive, so a 401(k) saver and IRA saver can claim both extras at the same time. Employer matching, however, often does not extend to catch-up dollars, and your total contributions can never exceed your earned income for the year. Check your plan's matching terms and your wage base before maxing out.
Example: Maximizing Retirement Savings for a 55-Year-Old
- 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 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 Step 3: Calculate Total Contribution. Add the standard limit to the catch-up contribution: $23,000 (standard) + $7,500 (catch-up) = $30,500.
- 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?
What is the super catch-up contribution for ages 60-63?
When can I start making catch-up contributions?
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