Catch-Up Contribution Impact Calculator
See how much extra retirement savings the age-50+ catch-up contribution builds by retirement, with compounding on every extra dollar.
How it works
FV = C × [((1 + r)^n − 1) ÷ r] · Growth = FV − (C × n)
Starting at age 50, the IRS lets you add a catch-up contribution on top of the standard 401(k) or IRA limit. Because these extra dollars go in during your highest-earning years and still have a decade or more to compound, their impact is larger than the raw contributions suggest. This calculator treats each catch-up as a year-end deposit and grows the series to your retirement date.
Worked example
A $7,500 catch-up each year for 15 years at 7% grows to 7,500 × ((1.07^15 − 1) ÷ 0.07) ≈ $188,000. Only $112,500 of that is contributions — the other ~$75,000 is compound growth.
Frequently asked questions
Who can make catch-up contributions?
Anyone who is age 50 or older by the end of the calendar year can add the catch-up amount to their 401(k), 403(b), or IRA, on top of the standard contribution limit for that plan.
How much is the catch-up?
Limits change yearly. For 2024, the 401(k) catch-up is $7,500 and the IRA catch-up is $1,000. Some plans also have a higher catch-up for ages 60–63 under newer rules — check the current IRS figures.
Is the growth guaranteed?
No. The return you enter is an assumption; actual results depend on your investments and markets. The point is that consistent extra contributions late in your career still compound meaningfully.
Related calculators
Educational estimate using simplified assumptions — not tax, legal or financial advice. Verify limits and rules with the IRS or a qualified advisor.