About the 403(b) Calculator
This 403(b) calculator projects how much your 403(b) plan could be worth at retirement. It is designed for employees of public schools, universities, hospitals, churches and other nonprofits, whose employers offer a 403(b) instead of a 401(k). Enter your salary, the percentage you defer, your employer’s match formula, expected raises and investment return.
Each year the calculator applies your contribution percentage to your current salary, caps it at the IRS elective deferral limit for your age (including the age-50 catch-up and the higher age 60–63 catch-up), adds the employer match and grows the balance. The chart and table show how your own savings, your employer’s money and investment growth build up year by year.
Limits use 2026 figures — $24,500 elective deferrals, an $8,000 catch-up from age 50 and $11,250 for ages 60–63 — held flat in future years, which is conservative because limits rise with inflation. Contributions are added at the end of each year. The special 15-year-of-service catch-up some 403(b) plans offer is not included.
With the default inputs, the 403(b) balance at retirement is $1,108,124.26. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the 403(b) calculator
- 1Enter your age, planned retirement age, salary and current 403(b) balance.
- 2Enter the percentage of pay you contribute.
- 3Enter your employer’s match (e.g. 50% up to 6% of salary); use 0 if there is none.
- 4Set your expected yearly raise and investment return.
- 5Review your projected balance and the year-by-year table.
Formula and method
Each year your deferral is your salary times your contribution percentage, capped at the IRS elective deferral limit for your age that year. The employer match is the match rate applied to your contribution up to the match cap (for example 50% of the first 6% of pay). The previous balance earns one year of return and the year’s contributions are added at year-end.
Salary rises by your raise percentage every year, so contributions grow over time. Investment growth is the final balance minus the starting balance and every contribution. The 4% income figure is a rough guide to sustainable yearly withdrawals, divided by 12.
- B
- 403(b) balance
- S
- Salary in year t
- p
- Your contribution percentage
- m_rate / m_cap
- Employer match rate and the salary percentage it applies to
- r / g
- Investment return and annual raise
Worked examples
Teacher earning $60,000, deferring 10% with a 50% match up to 6%
Year one you contribute $6,000 and the employer adds $1,800. With 2.5% raises and 7% returns, 30 years of contributions total about $263,415 from you and $79,025 from the employer, growing to roughly $1.11 million.
Nurse at 52 catching up with no match
Deferring 40% of $90,000 ($36,000) exceeds the limit, so contributions are capped at $32,500 from age 52–59 and $35,750 at ages 60–63, then $32,500 again at 64. With a $150,000 start and 6% returns the balance reaches about $948,679.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 403(b) contribution limit for 2026?+
Employees can defer up to $24,500 in 2026. Those 50 and older can add an $8,000 catch-up, and people aged 60 through 63 get a higher $11,250 catch-up under SECURE 2.0. Employer contributions count toward a separate overall limit. From 2026, if your prior-year FICA wages from the employer exceeded the indexed threshold ($150,000 for 2025 wages), catch-up contributions must be made as Roth.
What is the difference between a 403(b) and a 401(k)?+
They work almost the same — pre-tax or Roth deferrals, the same limits, and similar withdrawal rules. A 403(b) is offered by public schools, hospitals and nonprofits, often has annuity or mutual fund options only, and some plans offer an extra 15-year service catch-up.
What is the 403(b) 15-year catch-up?+
If your plan allows it and you have at least 15 years of service with the same eligible employer, you may contribute up to $3,000 more per year, with a $15,000 lifetime cap, depending on past contributions. It can be used in the same year as the age-50 catch-up; deferrals above the basic limit count toward the 15-year catch-up first.
Can I have a 403(b) and a 457(b) at the same time?+
Yes. Many public employers offer both, and the 457(b) has its own separate deferral limit, so you can effectively double your tax-advantaged savings. 457(b) money can also be withdrawn without a 10% penalty after you leave the employer.
When can I withdraw from my 403(b)?+
Withdrawals are penalty-free from age 59½, or from 55 if you leave the employer in or after the year you turn 55. Earlier withdrawals are taxed and generally hit with a 10% penalty. RMDs start at 73 (75 if born 1960 or later).
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Rates, fees and terms vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed advisor before making decisions.