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Solo 401(k) Calculator

Estimate 2026 solo 401(k) contribution room using eligible compensation, age-based catch-ups, and an entered employer rate.

Quick answer: A solo 401(k) combines employee deferrals with employer profit-sharing contributions. The maximum depends on self-employment income, age, entity type, and annual IRS limits.

SWReviewed by SwitchWize Research Desk · Last reviewed July 21, 2026
Estimated Total Contribution
$48,500
Estimated Total Contribution
$48,500
2026 Employee Deferral Limit
$24,500
2026 Age-Based Catch-Up Limit
$0
Estimated Employee Contribution
$24,500
Solo 401(k) contribution sources
$48,500total
Employee portion$24,500
Employer portion$24,000
Total$48,500
2026 Annual Additions Limit (Before Catch-Up)
$72,000
Estimated Employer Contribution
$24,000
Illustrative Income Tax Savings (24%)
$11,640
Diagnostic

Your estimated 2026 solo 401(k) contribution room is $48,500, split between $24,500 of employee deferrals and $24,000 of employer contributions.

If every modeled contribution is deductible at a 24.00% federal marginal rate, the illustrative income-tax reduction is $11,640.

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What to do next

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Your action plan
  1. 1

    Calculate the baseline result with your current numbers

    Estimate 2026 solo 401(k) contribution room using eligible compensation, age-based catch-ups, and an entered employer rate.

  2. 2

    Pressure-test one alternate scenario before deciding

    Assumptions change the answer, especially when rates, taxes, or timing matter.

  3. 3

    Use the linked guide or product page for the next step

    Turn the result into a prioritized action instead of treating it as a one-off number.

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This is an educational estimate, not tax, legal, investment, or lending advice. Tax rules, rates, and eligibility change and depend on your full situation. Confirm with a qualified professional or the provider before acting.

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SEP IRA vs Solo 401k: Which Plan Saves You More in?SEP IRA vs Solo 401k compared side by side. See 2026 contribution limits, Roth options, tax savings by income level, and which plan fits your situation.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

What does an example Solo 401(k) Calculator calculation look like?
Using this calculator's own default assumptions, a eligible plan compensation (estimate) of $120,000 and your age at year-end of 40 produces an estimated estimated total contribution of $48,500 and 2026 employee deferral limit of $24,500. Enter your own numbers above to see how it changes for your situation.
What does the Solo 401(k) Calculator do?
Estimate 2026 solo 401(k) contribution room using eligible compensation, age-based catch-ups, and an entered employer rate.
Is the Solo 401(k) Calculator free to use?
Yes. SwitchWize calculators are free, and you do not need an account to run scenarios or view the result.
Does using the Solo 401(k) Calculator affect my credit score?
No. Using a calculator does not trigger a credit check. A credit impact can occur only if you apply directly with a lender, card issuer, or provider.
Are the results personalized financial advice?
No. Calculator outputs are educational estimates based on the inputs you enter. Review assumptions and confirm terms directly with providers before making a financial decision.
What should I do after seeing the result?
Use the recommendation module on this page to compare solo 401(k) providers, or run Money Map to compare this investing & retirement decision with your other opportunities.
How does SwitchWize choose related offers?
Related offers are matched by the calculator surface (ira) and ranked using SwitchWize data such as rate, fees, trust signals, product fit, and switching friction. Paid relationships do not change organic ranking order.
How fresh are the rates and offers shown?
Rate and offer data is reviewed on a recurring cadence and every offer module shows review context or links to the methodology and disclosure pages.
Where can I see the ranking methodology?
The SwitchWize methodology page explains how rate freshness, editorial review, affiliate disclosure, and category ranking factors work.
Can Money Map use this result?
Yes. Money Map is the broader diagnostic path: it compares savings, mortgage, cards, and debt so you can see whether this calculator result is your highest-impact next move.

Why This Matters

How to Use It

  1. 1Enter your eligible plan compensation (estimate)
  2. 2Enter your your age at year-end
  3. 3Enter your employer contribution rate
  4. 4See your estimated 2026 employee deferral limit, 2026 age-based catch-up limit, estimated employee contribution, 2026 annual additions limit (before catch-up), estimated employer contribution, estimated total contribution, illustrative income tax savings (24%)
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Compare Solo 401(k) Providers