401(k) Catch-Up Deferral Calculator United States 2026
The regular employee elective deferral limit is $24,500 in 2026. If you are 50 or older and your plan allows catch-up contributions, you can defer more:
- Ages 50–59 and 64+: $8,000 additional catch-up
- Ages 60–63 (SECURE 2.0 enhanced): $11,250 additional if the plan allows
Read the evergreen explainer →
Age 52 vs 62 after the $24,500 base: $8,000 vs $11,250 left. After $20,000 YTD at 52: $12,500 left. After $28,000 YTD at 62: $7,750 left.
total limit = $24,500 + catch-up (if eligible)
room left = total limit − year-to-date deferrals
Worked example (age 62)
You deferred $30,000 YTD and you are 62:
- Base: $24,500 + enhanced catch-up $11,250 = $35,750 total
- Room left: $35,750 − $30,000 = $5,750
| Age | Base | Catch-up | Total limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 | $0 | $24,500 |
| 50–59 or 64+ | $24,500 | $8,000 | $32,500 |
| 60–63 | $24,500 | $11,250 | $35,750 |
What this calculator does not include
- Employer match or the combined $72,000 employee + employer cap
- SIMPLE plans or special 457(b) rules
- Roth vs traditional split (both count toward the same cap)
Related: 401(k) deferral limit, paycheck take-home, IRA contribution.
Your plan must allow catch-up deferrals. Educational estimate from IRS 2026 limits.
Official sources
At age 50 for the calendar year, if your plan allows it.
SECURE 2.0 allows an enhanced catch-up of $11,250 for participants ages 60–63 when the plan permits it.