🏦 401(k) Retirement Calculator
Estimate your 401(k) balance at retirement, using real 2026 IRS contribution limits.
2026 401(k) Contribution Limits (IRS)
For 2026, the IRS employee elective deferral limit is $24,500. If you're 50 or older, you can add a $8,000 catch-up contribution ($32,500 total). If you're between 60 and 63, you can use a higher "super catch-up" of $11,250 instead ($35,750 total). This calculator will warn you if your entered contribution percentage would exceed the limit for your age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does employer match count toward my limit?
No — the limits above apply only to your own employee contributions. Employer matching is separate, though
there is a combined employee+employer limit of $72,000 for 2026.
What return rate should I use?
This is your choice and depends on your investment allocation — there's no guaranteed rate. Many long-term
retirement calculators use a range of 6-8% for a diversified stock-heavy portfolio, but actual returns vary
year to year and are never guaranteed.
Guide: understanding your result
- The 2026 employee deferral limit is $24,500; workers 50+ can contribute up to $32,500 and those aged 60–63 up to $35,750 in total.
- Employer matching money does not count toward your own deferral limit.
- Traditional contributions reduce taxable income now; Roth contributions are taxed now and can be withdrawn tax-free later if rules are met.
Worked example
An employee earning $70,000 contributes 6% ($4,200 a year) and receives a 50% match on that 6% ($2,100). At an illustrative 6% annual return for 30 years with no raises, the account would reach about $527,370. Not contributing enough to receive the full match leaves that part of compensation unclaimed.
2026 contribution limits
| Who | Employee limit |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 |
| Age 50+ (with catch-up) | $32,500 |
| Age 60–63 (enhanced catch-up) | $35,750 |
Source: IRS resmi duyurusu. Limits are adjusted for inflation each year.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming the match vests immediately — check your plan's vesting schedule.
- Withdrawing before 59½ without checking penalties and exceptions.
Official sources
- IRS — 401(k) contribution limits
- U.S. Department of Labor — Employee Benefits Security Administration
Examples are calculated live from the same data the calculator uses and are for education only — they are not financial, tax or investment advice.
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