401(k) Contribution Limits 2026: Full Guide
Every year the IRS adjusts retirement plan limits for inflation, and 2026 is no exception. If you contribute to a 401(k), 403(b), or Thrift Savings Plan, here are the numbers that matter for 2026 and how they apply to you.
The 2026 401(k) limits at a glance
| Limit | 2026 amount |
|---|---|
| Elective deferral (your contributions) | $24,500 |
| Catch-up, age 50 or older | $8,000 (total $32,500) |
| Super catch-up, ages 60–63 | $11,250 (total $35,750) |
| Total combined limit (you + employer) | $72,000 |
The “elective deferral” is the cap on what you contribute from your paycheck. It went up from $23,500 in 2025 to $24,500 in 2026.
Who qualifies for catch-up contributions?
Anyone 50 or older by the end of the year can add the $8,000 catch-up, bringing the personal limit to $32,500. Workers who turn 60, 61, 62, or 63 during the year qualify for the higher “super catch-up” of $11,250 instead — a provision created by the SECURE 2.0 Act to help people in their early 60s accelerate savings before retirement.
Your employer match does not count toward the $24,500
A common misunderstanding: the $24,500 limit applies only to your own deferrals. Employer matching contributions are added on top, up to the combined $72,000 cap. That cap also includes after-tax (non-Roth) contributions if your plan allows them, so high earners can often save well above $24,500 a year.
Deadlines and practical notes
Your 2026 contributions must be deducted from paychecks earned between January 1 and December 31, 2026 — unlike an IRA, you cannot make 401(k) contributions after the year ends. To hit a target by December 31, raise your deferral percentage early in the year; many plans automatically stop contributions once you hit the IRS limit, so if you front-load too aggressively you can forfeit the employer match in later months.
How the limits compare to other accounts
For context, the 2026 IRA limit is $7,500 ($8,600 if 50 or older), and the HSA limit is $4,400 self-only / $8,750 family. Maxing a 401(k) plus an IRA plus an HSA is the classic “triple-stack” savings strategy.
Run the numbers
Use our 401(k) catch-up calculator to see how much room you have left this year, the employer match calculator to make sure you are not leaving free money on the table, and the Roth vs traditional 401(k) calculator to pick the right tax treatment. Self-employed? See the solo 401(k) calculator.
Not sure whether a 401(k) or an IRA fits you better? Explore all retirement calculators. And if you are also buying a home, read our guide on whether mortgage points are worth it.