2026 401(k) limits: $23,500 employee, $7,500 catch-up (50+), $70,000 total. Calculator and complete guide.
The 2026 401(k) contribution limits are: $23,500 for employees under 50, plus an employer match up to the total limit of $70,000. Workers age 50 and older can make an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500, for a total employee contribution of $31,000.
A new provision for workers ages 60–63 allows a larger catch-up of $11,250 starting in 2025 under SECURE 2.0. This means those in their early 60s can contribute up to $34,750 in 2026.
Maxing out your 401(k) at $23,500/year from age 40 at 7% returns yields approximately $2.4 million by 65 — entirely from contributions and compounding. Add employer matching and the results are even more dramatic. Use the calculator above to model your specific scenario.
2026 401(k) Limits Summary: Employee: $23,500 · Catch-up (50–59, 64+): $7,500 · Catch-up (60–63): $11,250 · Total with employer: $70,000.
$23,500 for employees under 50. Those 50–59 and 64+ can add a $7,500 catch-up ($31,000 total). Those 60–63 can add $11,250 catch-up ($34,750 total) under SECURE 2.0.
Employer matching does not count toward your $23,500 employee contribution limit, but it does count toward the overall $70,000 combined limit (employee + employer contributions).
If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, Roth is generally better. If you want to reduce taxable income now (high earner), traditional pre-tax contributions may be preferred. Many plans offer both.