What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2026?

For 2026 the employee 401(k) contribution limit is $24,500, with an additional $8,000 catch-up for those age 50 and older. Employer contributions are on top of this.

How does an employer 401(k) match work?

An employer match adds money to your 401(k) based on what you contribute — for example, 50% of your contributions up to 6% of salary. It is free money, so contributing at least enough to get the full match is usually the priority.

401(k) Calculator 2026 — Retirement Growth & Employer Match

A 401(k) calculator projects how much your workplace retirement account will grow by retirement, combining your contributions, your employer's match and compound investment returns. The 2026 employee contribution limit is $24,500 ($32,500 if 50+). Updated June 2026.

How it works

Each year we add your contribution (salary × your %), plus the employer match (your contribution × match %, capped at the match-limit % of salary), then grow the whole balance by your expected annual return until retirement. Real returns vary; this is an estimate, not advice.