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.