Retirement Contribution Limit Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate total annual retirement contribution capacity across selected account types.

What this calculator does

The retirement contribution limit calculator sums available contribution limits across selected retirement accounts. It includes catch-up amounts when age qualifies and uses IRS limits from the central limits file.

It uses:

• age
• tax year
• selected account types
• self-employment income

Retirement Contribution Limit Formula

Total Capacity = Sum of Selected Account Limits + Catch-Up Amounts

Where:

• Account Limit = IRS annual limit for each selected account
• Catch-Up = extra contribution for eligible ages
• Self-Employment Income = income used for SEP estimate
• Total Capacity = combined contribution room

Example calculation

If:

• Age = 52
• 401(k) limit = 23,500
• Catch-up = 7,500
• IRA limit = 7,000

Then:

• IRA catch-up = 1,000
• Total = 23,500 + 7,500 + 7,000 + 1,000
• Total = 39,000
• Other selected accounts add more capacity

The combined contribution capacity is 39,000 before other accounts.

What is retirement contribution limit?

Retirement contribution limit is the maximum amount that can be contributed to tax-advantaged retirement accounts for a tax year. Limits vary by account type and age.

Why contribution limits matter

• prevents over-contribution
• helps maximize tax-advantaged savings
• supports annual planning
• shows catch-up opportunity

When to use this calculator

• planning annual contributions
• checking catch-up eligibility
• comparing account combinations
• estimating total savings capacity

Common mistakes

• double-counting IRA limits
• forgetting catch-up age rules
• ignoring employer contributions
• using outdated IRS limits

Contribution limit vs contribution target

Contribution limit is the legal maximum. Contribution target is the amount you plan to save.

Your target can be below the limit depending on cash flow.

FAQs

What is retirement contribution limit?

It is the maximum annual contribution allowed for a retirement account type.

How do you calculate contribution limit?

Add selected account limits and eligible catch-up amounts, then apply account-specific rules.

What is a good contribution limit target?

A good target uses as much tax-advantaged space as cash flow allows.

What is the difference between limit and target?

Limit is the maximum allowed. Target is your planned contribution.