About the Retirement Contribution Limits Calculator
This calculator shows how much you can put into each tax-advantaged retirement account in 2026, based on your age, the type of workplace plan you have, your HSA coverage and your earned income. It adds the age 50+ catch-up and the larger SECURE 2.0 catch-up for ages 60–63 automatically, and totals the maximum you can shelter across all accounts.
It is built for savers trying to max out their accounts, people turning 50, 55 or 60 this year, and anyone with more than one plan — for example a 403(b) plus a governmental 457(b), which have separate limits. It also flags whether your catch-up contributions must go in as Roth, a rule that starts in 2026 for higher earners.
Limits are the 2026 figures from IRS Notice 2025-67 and Rev. Proc. 2025-19: $24,500 elective deferrals (+$8,000 at 50+, +$11,250 at 60–63), $17,000 SIMPLE (+$4,000 or +$5,250), $7,500 IRA (+$1,100 at 50+), $4,400 / $8,750 HSA (+$1,000 at 55+), and a $72,000 overall cap on employee plus employer additions. Age means the age you reach by December 31, 2026. Some small-employer SIMPLE plans have a higher $18,100 limit, which is not modelled here.
With the default inputs, the total you can contribute in 2026 is $49,850.00. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the retirement contribution limits calculator
- 1Enter the age you will be on December 31, 2026.
- 2Choose your workplace plan type and whether you also have a 457(b).
- 3Select your HSA-eligible health coverage, if any.
- 4Enter your earned income and last year’s wages from your employer.
- 5Review each limit and the total you can contribute this year.
Formula and method
Each account type has its own annual limit, and limits for different account types stack. Workplace deferrals get a catch-up from the year you turn 50, and a larger catch-up in the years you turn 60, 61, 62 or 63. A governmental 457(b) has a separate deferral limit, so someone with both a 403(b) and a 457(b) can defer twice.
The IRA limit is shared between traditional and Roth IRAs and cannot exceed your taxable compensation. HSA limits depend on self-only or family HDHP coverage, with an extra $1,000 from age 55. The 415(c) cap limits combined employee and employer additions to one employer’s defined contribution plans; catch-ups are allowed on top.
- Plan limit
- $24,500 (401(k)/403(b)/TSP/457) or $17,000 (SIMPLE) for 2026
- Catch-up
- $8,000 at 50+ or $11,250 at 60–63 ($4,000 / $5,250 for SIMPLE)
Worked examples
Age 52 with a 401(k), family HSA
At 52 you can defer $24,500 + $8,000 = $32,500 into the 401(k), put $7,500 + $1,100 = $8,600 into IRAs and $8,750 into a family HSA — $49,850 in total.
Age 61 with a 403(b) and 457(b), self-only HSA, high earner
At 61 the super catch-up applies: $24,500 + $11,250 = $35,750 in each of the 403(b) and the 457(b). Add $8,600 for IRAs and $4,400 + $1,000 for the HSA at 55+, for $85,500. With 2025 wages above $150,000 the catch-ups must be Roth.
Age 35 with a SIMPLE IRA and $6,000 of earned income
Under 50 there is no catch-up, so the SIMPLE limit is $17,000. The IRA limit is capped at earned income of $6,000 (practically, plan deferrals also come out of that pay).
Frequently asked questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?+
The 2026 elective deferral limit for 401(k), 403(b), most 457(b) plans and the federal TSP is $24,500. Workers 50 and older can add $8,000, and those turning 60, 61, 62 or 63 in 2026 can add $11,250 instead.
What is the IRA contribution limit for 2026?+
You can contribute up to $7,500 across all traditional and Roth IRAs for 2026, plus a $1,100 catch-up if you are 50 or older, for $8,600. Contributions cannot exceed your taxable compensation for the year.
What is the 2026 HSA contribution limit?+
For 2026 the HSA limit is $4,400 with self-only HDHP coverage and $8,750 with family coverage. If you are 55 or older you can contribute an extra $1,000. You cannot contribute once enrolled in Medicare.
What is the age 60–63 super catch-up?+
SECURE 2.0 created a higher catch-up for people who turn 60, 61, 62 or 63 during the year. For 2026 it is $11,250 in 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b) and TSP plans, and $5,250 in SIMPLE plans. At 64 it reverts to the regular catch-up.
Do catch-up contributions have to be Roth?+
Starting in 2026, if your FICA wages from the employer sponsoring the plan exceeded $150,000 in 2025, your catch-up contributions to that 401(k), 403(b) or governmental 457(b) must be made as Roth contributions.
Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA?+
Yes. The IRA limit is separate from the 401(k) limit, so you can max out both. Being covered by a workplace plan can limit whether traditional IRA contributions are deductible, and Roth IRA eligibility depends on income.
Tax results are estimates based on published rules and simplified assumptions. They are not tax advice — check official guidance or a tax professional for your situation.