Retirement Contribution Limit Calculator
Estimate total annual retirement contribution capacity across selected account types.
- Last reviewed
- August 26, 2026
- Cost
- Free to use
- Data
- Runs in your browser
- Reviewed by
- Anton Jonson
Total Contribution Capacity
—
Breakdown
—
Catch-Up Amount
—
First Selected Limit
—
Methodology
How this calculator handles inputs
This calculator uses the values you enter above and applies the formula explained in the guide below. Results update in the browser and are intended for quick planning, comparison, and sanity-checking.
- Use consistent periods, currencies, and units across inputs.
- Review any assumptions before using the result in a decision.
- Recalculate when rates, prices, tax rules, or business terms change.
Important note
This tool provides general planning information only. It is not tax, legal, financial, accounting, or investment advice. Check the current rules for your location and speak with a qualified professional before making a high-stakes decision.
Guide
How it works
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 = 24,500
- Catch-up = 8,000
- IRA limit = 7,500
Then:
- IRA catch-up = 1,100
- Total = 24,500 + 8,000 + 7,500 + 1,100
- 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.
Continue exploring
Related calculators
Explore the next calculations most relevant to this topic.
retirement-accounts
401(k) Contribution Calculator
Calculate per-paycheck 401(k) contributions needed to hit an annual target.
retirement-accounts
Solo 401(k) Calculator
Estimate maximum Solo 401(k) contribution for a one-person business.
retirement-accounts
HSA Retirement Calculator
Project HSA balance as a retirement savings vehicle after medical withdrawals.