How the projection works
The first-year employee contribution is salary multiplied by your contribution rate, capped at the applicable 2026 elective-deferral limit. Employer match is calculated separately. The balance grows annually, then that year’s contribution is added at year end.
Official 2026 source
The calculator uses the limits in the IRS 2026 retirement contribution announcement: $24,500 basic deferral, $8,000 general catch-up, and $11,250 catch-up for eligible participants ages 60–63.
Important limitations
- Does not model the overall section 415 limit, highly compensated employee testing, after-tax contributions, Roth versus pre-tax taxation, vesting, or plan-specific restrictions.
- Contribution growth is a user assumption; future IRS limits and salary changes are unknown.
- Excludes fees, inflation, withdrawals, loans, required distributions, taxes, and sequence-of-return risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 2026 401(k) employee contribution limit?
The basic elective-deferral limit is $24,500. The general age-50 catch-up is $8,000, while eligible participants ages 60–63 can have an $11,250 catch-up.
How is the employer match calculated?
The calculator applies the match percentage to your contribution, limited to the entered percentage of salary. For example, a 50% match up to 6% of salary contributes 3% when you contribute at least 6%.
Does the employer match count against the employee limit?
No. Employer contributions do not reduce the elective-deferral limit, although a separate overall defined-contribution limit can apply and is not modeled here.
Is the projected return guaranteed?
No. Investment returns fluctuate, plan fees reduce results, and actual future contributions and legal limits will vary.