US 401(k) Retirement Savings Calculator
Estimate how employee contributions, a plan-specific employer match and an existing balance could grow. Then check your inputs against the 2026 federal employee deferral limits.
Understand the 2026 401(k) limits
For most 401(k) plans, the 2026 employee elective-deferral limit is $24,500. A plan may permit an additional $8,000 catch-up contribution for eligible participants aged 50 or older. For participants who turn 60, 61, 62 or 63 during 2026, the higher catch-up limit is $11,250, if the plan permits it. For 2026, participants whose 2025 FICA wages from the employer sponsoring their plan exceeded $150,000 generally must make catch-up contributions on a Roth basis when the plan offers Roth catch-up contributions. Check your plan’s rules and implementation.
The overall 2026 defined-contribution annual-additions limit is generally the lesser of 100% of compensation or $72,000, excluding catch-up contributions. Employer matching, nonelective contributions and plan terms affect how this applies. This calculator checks the employee deferral estimate only; it does not certify plan compliance.
How employer matching works
Employer matching formulas differ. The match estimate here uses the percentage and salary cap you enter. It is a simplified illustration, not a statement of your employer’s actual plan terms. Check the Summary Plan Description for matching tiers, eligible compensation, true-up rules and vesting schedules.
What your projection does not include
The projection applies the selected 2026 employee deferral limit as a simplifying assumption throughout the displayed projection period; actual IRS limits may change in future years. It assumes a constant salary, contribution rate and annual return, converted to monthly compounding. It does not model salary increases, contribution timing changes, fund fees, inflation, taxes, withdrawals, loan repayments, vesting or investment volatility. A constant return is not a forecast or guarantee.
Practical next steps
- Compare your contribution election with the plan’s matching formula.
- Check your year-to-date deferrals across all applicable plans.
- Review catch-up eligibility and Roth catch-up requirements with your plan administrator.
- Revisit your assumptions when salary, employment or retirement timing changes.
Official sources: IRS 2026 contribution limits · IRS catch-up contributions · IRS overall plan limits
Reviewed 7 November 2026. Educational illustration only; not tax, investment, legal or retirement advice. The tool does not access your employer plan or IRS account.