Updated for 2026 IRS limits
401(k) Contribution Calculator With Employer Match
Plan your 401(k) contribution rate around paychecks, employer match, and the annual IRS employee deferral limit. The main result shows what you contribute, how much match you capture, how much limit room remains, and what it takes per paycheck to max out.
Updated for 2026 IRS limits: default employee deferral limit $24,500, catch-up field $8,000, age 60-63 catch-up field $11,250, and total defined contribution plan limit field $72,000. Edit these fields if your plan or tax year differs.
Contribution inputs
Paycheck, Match, and IRS Limit Details
Annual employee contribution
$0
Results update automatically.
Employer match captured$0
IRS contribution limit gap$0
Per-paycheck contribution$0
Employee limit used0%
Contribution Gap Finder
How Much Room Is Left?
Remaining IRS room$0
Extra per remaining paycheck to max$0
Full employer match?No
Estimated missed match$0
Employer match does not reduce your employee elective deferral limit.
Formula Used
Annual employee contribution = salary x contribution rate, limited by the applicable employee elective deferral limit.
Secondary projection
Optional Retirement Balance Estimate
Projected retirement balance
$0
This is secondary to the contribution planning result above.
Today's dollars$0
Total employer match$0
Total employee deferrals$0
Estimated monthly payout$0
Secondary schedule
Year-by-Year 401(k) Growth
This schedule uses the contribution rate and match rule from the main calculator, then applies the optional retirement projection assumptions above.
| Age | Salary | Employee | Employer | Growth | Ending balance |
|---|
Optional side estimate
Early 401(k) Withdrawal Cost
This is kept outside the main calculator because the page is focused on contribution planning and employer match optimization.
Estimated amount received$0
Estimated taxes$0
Early penalty$0
Method
How This 401(k) Contribution Calculator Works
The main calculator estimates your annual employee contribution from salary, contribution rate, pay schedule, and year-to-date deferrals. It then compares that amount with the applicable employee elective deferral limit and estimates how much extra per remaining paycheck would be needed to max out.
Employer match is calculated separately from your employee deferral. This distinction matters: employer match does not count against the employee elective deferral limit, but employer contributions can count toward the broader total defined contribution plan limit.
Data Sources
IRS contribution limitsEmployee elective deferral limits
IRS catch-up rulesAge-based catch-up fields
COLA adjustmentsAnnual dollar limit updates
401(k) plan basicsPlan and employer contribution context
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401(k) Contribution Calculator FAQ
How much can I contribute to my 401(k) in 2026?
The default employee elective deferral limit in this calculator is $24,500 for 2026. Catch-up fields are editable for workers who are eligible for additional age-based contributions.
Does employer match count toward the employee deferral limit?
No. Employer match does not reduce your employee elective deferral limit. However, employer match can count toward the total defined contribution plan limit.
How do I calculate my 401(k) contribution per paycheck?
Divide annual salary by pay periods, then multiply by your contribution percentage. The calculator also estimates the extra amount per remaining paycheck needed to max out.
How can I tell if I am getting the full employer match?
Enter your employer match tiers and current contribution rate. The Contribution Gap Finder compares your estimated match with the maximum available match under the rule entered.
What is a 401(k) catch-up contribution?
Catch-up contributions allow eligible older workers to contribute beyond the basic employee deferral limit. The calculator includes editable fields for age 50+ and age 60-63 planning scenarios.
Do Roth 401(k) contributions have a separate limit?
Traditional pre-tax and designated Roth 401(k) employee deferrals generally share the same annual elective deferral limit. Employer match rules and tax treatment can vary by plan.
What happens if I over-contribute to a 401(k)?
Excess deferrals may need to be corrected and can create tax issues. If your year-to-date amount is near or above the limit, verify with payroll or your plan administrator.
What if I max out too early in the year?
Some plans match per paycheck. If you stop contributing before year-end, you may miss employer match unless your plan offers a true-up contribution.
Can this calculator handle multiple jobs or plans?
It can help estimate total employee deferrals, but you should combine year-to-date employee contributions from all applicable plans and confirm limits with payroll or a tax professional.
Is this calculator financial or tax advice?
No. It is a planning calculator. 401(k) limits, plan rules, Roth treatment, vesting, payroll timing, and taxes can vary.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for general informational purposes and simple arithmetic checks. It is not financial, investment, tax, accounting, legal, retirement, payroll, or benefits advice. 401(k) plan terms, IRS limits, vesting rules, payroll timing, fees, taxes, penalties, and investment returns can vary. Verify important decisions with your plan administrator, payroll department, tax professional, or financial advisor.
Last reviewed: July 4, 2026.