Project how much your 401(k) could grow to by retirement, including your employer match and the 2026 IRS contribution limits.
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2026 401(k) limits
| Limit | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Employee contribution | $24,500 |
| Catch-up, age 50 and over | $8,000 (total $32,500) |
| Catch-up, ages 60 to 63 | $11,250 (total $35,750) |
| IRA contribution | $7,500 |
How the employer match works
A common match is “50% up to 6%”: if you contribute 6% of your salary, your employer adds 3%. If you only put in 4%, they add 2%, so you’d miss out on 1% of your salary in free money every year.
Example
At 30, earning $75,000, contributing 6% with a 50% match up to 6%, starting with $20,000, a 6% return and 3% pay rises, you could have about $1.28 million at 65 in future dollars.
Traditional or Roth 401(k)?
Traditional contributions reduce your taxable income now and are taxed when you withdraw. Roth contributions are taxed now but grow and come out tax-free in retirement. Many people split between the two.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I put in my 401(k) in 2026?
$24,500, plus $8,000 if you’re 50 or over, or $11,250 if you’re 60 to 63.
Do employer contributions count towards the limit?
No. The $24,500 limit is for your own contributions; employer money has a separate, higher overall limit.
How much should I contribute?
At least enough to get the full employer match, then aim for 10% to 15% of pay in total if you can.
When can I withdraw from a 401(k)?
Usually from 59½ without the 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Sources
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