The catch-up calculator’s worked example is $30,000 YTD at 62 → $5,750. The leftover most late-year 60–63 stubs need is $28,000 already in.
2026 employee elective limit is $24,500. Catch-up, if the plan allows it:
- Ages 50–59 and 64+: $8,000 extra ($32,500 total)
- Ages 60–63 (SECURE 2.0): $11,250 extra ($35,750 total)
$28,000 YTD at age 62: room left $7,750.
Age 52 on the same $28,000: $4,500 left. Age 40: $0 left, and $3,500 over the $24,500 base.
Empty-plan 50 vs 60–63 is a different leftover: after $24,500, $8,000 vs $11,250. Mid-year at 52: after $20,000 → $12,500.
Run the 401(k) catch-up calculator →
Hub: United States calculators.
Catch-up is optional at the plan level. Roth and traditional employee deferrals share the same cap. Employer match is a different bucket. Estimate, not tax advice.
Direct answer: age 62 after $28,000 → $7,750
- Base 2026 limit = $24,500
- Age 62 enhanced catch-up = $11,250
- Total = $35,750
- Room = $35,750 − $28,000 = $7,750
- Age 52 total = $32,500. Room = $4,500
- Age 40 total = $24,500. Room = $0 (over by $3,500)
total limit = $24,500 + catch-up for your age (if the plan allows it)
remaining = max(0, total limit − YTD elective deferrals)
Same $28,000 YTD, three ages
| Age | Catch-up | Total limit | Room after $28,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62 (60–63) | $11,250 | $35,750 | $7,750 |
| 52 (50–59) | $8,000 | $32,500 | $4,500 |
| 40 (under 50) | $0 | $24,500 | $0 ($3,500 over) |
The calculator default of $30,000 at 62 leaves $5,750. Two thousand less already in is $2,000 more room. That is this leftover.
Roth vs traditional is a rate bet, not extra room: 24% now / 12% later. IRA room is a separate cap: 401(k) maxed, IRA still $7,500.
What this is not
- Employer match. Match does not use this $24,500 / $11,250 bucket. 50% of 4% on $96,000.
- A SIMPLE plan. SIMPLE elective room is $17,000, not $24,500. SIMPLE room after $8,000.
- The §415(c) $72,000 combined cap. Employee + employer additions are a different engine.
Because ages 60–63 get the SECURE 2.0 $11,250 add-on, not the standard $8,000. $35,750 − $28,000 = $7,750. $32,500 − $28,000 = $4,500.
No. Age 64 uses the standard $8,000 catch-up. The enhanced band is 60 through 63 only.
This engine treats YTD as all employee elective deferrals, Roth or traditional. It does not split “base” vs “catch-up” deposits. Room is total limit minus that YTD.