Catch-Up Contribution Calculator United States
This catch-up contribution calculator shows your limit for 401(k), IRA and SIMPLE plans with catch-up at 50 and the higher SECURE 2.0 catch-up at 60 to 63.
What it does
The Catch-Up Contribution Calculator shows the extra retirement contribution you can make once you turn 50, and the higher catch-up available at ages 60 to 63.
Data sources & parameters
The figures below drive this calculator. We keep them aligned with the latest official guidance, and each result recalculates automatically whenever a value changes.
| Parameter | Value | Source | Last updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elective deferral limit (IRC 402(g)(1)); the same dollar amount applies by statute to 403(b) deferrals and to 457(b) deferrals under IRC 457(e)(15) | 24,500 | irs.gov | Effective 2026-01-01 |
| Catch-up contribution limit for ages 50 and over, applicable employer plans other than SIMPLE (IRC 414(v)(2)(B)(i)) | 8,000 | irs.gov | Effective 2026-01-01 |
| Catch-up contribution limit for ages 60 to 63, applicable employer plans other than SIMPLE (IRC 414(v)(2)(E)(i)) | 11,250 | irs.gov | Effective 2026-01-01Verified 2026-09-06 against the IRS 2026 retirement limits release: the ages 60-63 catch-up remains $11,250 instead of $8,000. |
| IRA deductible contribution limit (IRC 219(b)(5)(A)) | 7,500 | irs.gov | Effective 2026-01-01 |
| IRA catch-up contribution for an individual aged 50 or over (IRC 219(b)(5)(B)(ii)) | 1,100 | irs.gov | Effective 2026-01-01 |
| Salary reduction contribution limit for a SIMPLE IRA or SIMPLE 401(k) (IRC 408(p)(2)(E)(i)(III)) | 17,000 | irs.gov | Effective 2026-01-01Verified 2026-09-06 against the IRS 2026 retirement limits release: SIMPLE deferral increased to $17,000, up from $16,500 for 2025. |
| Catch-up contribution limit for ages 50 and over, SIMPLE plans (IRC 414(v)(2)(B)(ii)) | 4,000 | irs.gov | Effective 2026-01-01Verified 2026-09-06 against the IRS 2026 retirement limits release: SIMPLE age-50 catch-up increased to $4,000, up from $3,500 for 2025. |
| Catch-up contribution limit for ages 60 to 63, SIMPLE plans (IRC 414(v)(2)(E)(ii)) | 5,250 | irs.gov | Effective 2026-01-01Verified 2026-09-06 against the IRS 2026 retirement limits release: the SIMPLE ages 60-63 catch-up remains $5,250. |
| Catch-up age bands: the standard catch-up opens at age 50 (IRC 414(v)(2)(B)) and the higher SECURE 2.0 catch-up applies for ages 60 to 63 (IRC 414(v)(2)(E)) | Rate schedule | irs.gov | Effective 2026-01-01Seeded from the IRS catch-up rules: age 50 for the standard catch-up, ages 60-63 for the higher SECURE 2.0 catch-up; previously hardcoded in catch-up-contribution-us and 401k-calculator-us. Values unchanged. |
| Prior-year wage threshold above which catch-up contributions must be designated Roth (IRC 414(v)(7)(A)); the 2025 wage figure governs 2026 catch-ups | 150,000 | irs.gov | Effective 2026-01-01 |
We always strive to use the latest data for every variable so our results and reports are as accurate as possible. Even so, errors are possible — you should not rely on this tool or its report alone, and we accept no liability for any decision made based on it.
The formula
Total limit = base limit + catch-up (age 50+); ages 60-63 use the higher SECURE 2.0 catch-up
How it works
It takes the base employee limit for your account type and adds the catch-up you qualify for by age, then totals them and shows any remaining room.
Where it is used
- Finding your total contribution limit with catch-up
- Comparing 401(k), IRA, and SIMPLE IRA catch-ups
- Seeing how much room is left this year
Worked example
At 62 in a 401(k), the base limit of … plus the age 60-63 catch-up of … gives a total of … you can contribute this year.
What the catch-up contribution calculator does
The catch-up contribution calculator shows the total you can put into a retirement account once you qualify for catch-up contributions. Choose your account type, enter your age, and optionally enter how much you have already contributed this year. The tool returns your base contribution limit, the catch-up amount you qualify for, your total limit and the room you have left.
From the year you turn 50 you may add a catch-up amount on top of the normal employee limit. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, savers aged 60 through 63 get a larger catch-up for workplace plans, a short window of higher limits right before many people retire.
How catch-up eligibility works
Eligibility depends on age, not years of service or income:
- Under 50: you contribute up to the base employee limit only.
- Age 50 to 59: you add the standard catch-up on top of the base limit.
- Age 60 to 63: you add the higher super catch-up for 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and SIMPLE plans.
- Age 64 and older: you return to the standard catch-up amount.
Enter your age and the calculator selects the right catch-up figure. IRAs work the same way but with a smaller catch-up and no age 60 to 63 band.
The account types
- Workplace plans such as the 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) share the same base and catch-up limits. Most people fund them through payroll, and they have the highest limits and the age 60 to 63 super catch-up.
- Traditional and Roth IRAs have a lower base limit and a modest catch-up from 50. Their limits are separate from any workplace plan you also have.
- SIMPLE IRAs, common at small employers, sit between the two, with their own base limit and their own standard and age 60 to 63 catch-up amounts.
The total shown uses the limits for the account you picked.
Why the extra room matters
The years just before retirement are often when people can save the most: the mortgage may be smaller, children may be independent and earnings are often at their peak. Catch-up contributions let you put more of that into tax-advantaged accounts, tax-deferred in a traditional account or tax-free in a Roth.
The age 60 to 63 super catch-up adds a larger allowance over just four years. Funding it in full adds a meaningful sum beyond the standard catch-up, which then compounds through retirement.
Remaining room and timing
Enter how much you have already contributed this year and the calculator shows what remains. This helps late in the year when you want to top up to the maximum, and it helps you avoid over-contributing, which causes tax complications. The limit resets each January, so you can divide the remaining room across the pay periods left and set your payroll election to match. That is especially useful in the age 60 to 63 window, where spreading the larger amount evenly avoids a rush at year end.
What you need to enter
- The account type you are contributing to.
- Your age this year, since eligibility depends on the age you reach during the year.
- Optionally, the amount you have already contributed.
If you contribute to more than one type of account, run the calculator for each, since a workplace plan and an IRA have separate limits and different catch-up rules.
Reading your result
The output leads with your total contribution limit for the year, then breaks out the base limit and the catch-up amount, and shows any remaining room. The donut chart splits the total into the base and catch-up portions.
This tool covers elective employee contributions. Employer matches, profit sharing and after-tax contributions fall under separate overall limits and are not included. Confirm specifics with your plan administrator or a tax professional.
This is general information only and not financial advice.
About This Catch-Up Contribution Calculator
Use this catch-up contribution calculator to get an instant, accurate estimate. The figures follow official IRS guidance and every rate and threshold is kept up to date for 2026. Adjust the inputs above to match your situation, or browse all our calculators to plan your next step.
Tax year 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is a catch-up contribution?
At what age can I start making catch-up contributions?
What is the age 60 to 63 super catch-up?
Does the IRA catch-up work the same way?
How is my remaining room calculated?
Are these limits current?
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