Catch-Up Contribution Calculator
See how much extra your 401k and IRA catch-up contributions add to your nest egg — including the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up for ages 60–63.
Without Catch-Up
With Full Catch-Up
Catch-Up Scenarios
2026 Contribution Limits
| Account | Standard | Catch-Up (50+) | Super (60–63) |
|---|
Balance Growth Year by Year
| Age | No Catch-Up | With Catch-Up | With Super (60–63) | Extra Nest Egg |
|---|
2026 Catch-Up Contribution Limits
| Account | Under 50 | Age 50–59 & 64+ | Age 60–63 (SECURE 2.0) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401k / 403b / 457 | $23,500 | $31,000 | $34,750 |
| IRA (Traditional or Roth) | $7,000 | $8,000 | $8,000 |
| Combined Max | $30,500 | $39,000 | $42,750 |
Who Benefits Most
Catch-up contributions produce the largest benefit when you start at the earliest eligible age (50), have 10+ years to retirement, and keep the portfolio invested for growth. An additional $7,500–$11,250/year over 10–17 years typically adds $100,000–$250,000 to your retirement balance.
Even starting at 60 is meaningful: $11,250/year (super catch-up) at 7% for 7 years (to age 67) adds approximately $107,000 — translating to $356/month in additional income at a 4% withdrawal rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 2026 catch-up contribution limits?
401k standard: $23,500. Catch-up at 50+: additional $7,500 (total $31,000). Super catch-up at 60–63: additional $11,250 (total $34,750). IRA: $7,000 standard + $1,000 catch-up at 50+ = $8,000 total.
What is the SECURE 2.0 super catch-up?
Starting 2025, workers aged 60–63 can contribute an additional $11,250 (vs standard $7,500) to their 401k. At age 64, the standard $7,500 catch-up resumes. This was created by the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022.
Do catch-up contributions reduce my taxable income?
Pre-tax 401k and traditional IRA catch-ups reduce taxable income in the year contributed. At 22% bracket, a $7,500 catch-up saves $1,650 in federal taxes that year while the money compounds tax-deferred.
What is the impact of starting at 50 vs 60?
Starting at 50: $7,500/year extra at 7% for 17 years (retiring at 67) ≈ $231,000 extra. Starting at 60: ≈ $66,000 extra. Starting earlier magnifies the result dramatically due to compounding.
Does catch-up apply to both traditional and Roth 401k?
Yes — any split between traditional and Roth 401k. High earners (MAGI over $145,000 in 2026) must direct catch-up contributions to the Roth 401k per IRS rules effective 2026.
Can I make catch-up contributions if my plan doesn't allow it?
The IRS permits it, but your employer plan document must include catch-up provisions. Most large plans do. If not available in your 401k, IRA catch-up contributions are always available independently.
Sources & method
This calculator implements the IRS catch-up and SECURE 2.0 super catch-up limits.
Source: IRS — 401(k) contribution limits (verified 4 September 2026)
Not financial or tax advice. This is an educational estimator. It does not know your full situation, and tax rules change. Akshaya Panda, who builds and verifies these tools, is an engineer — not a financial adviser, accountant, or tax professional. Before acting on a result that matters, check it with someone licensed to advise you.