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- Projects your 403(b) balance at retirement from your salary, contributions and returns.
- Includes employer matching, yearly raises and age-based catch-up contributions.
- Caps your contributions at the IRS limit you set (2026 limit: $24,500).
- Shows the balance in today’s dollars and a year-by-year table.
How to use the 403(b) calculator
Enter your ages and balance
Your current age, planned retirement age and current 403(b) balance.
Enter your salary and contribution
Your yearly salary and the percent you contribute.
Add your employer match
For example a 50% match on up to 6% of salary. Use 0 if there is no match.
Adjust the options
Open the advanced settings for raises, the contribution limit, catch-up contributions and inflation.
How the projection works
Each year
Your contribution = salary × your % (capped at the yearly limit)
Employer match = match % × your contribution, up to the matched % of salary
Balance = last balance × (1 + return) + new contributions × (1 + return ÷ 2)
Contributions are added through the year, so they earn about half a year of growth in the year they go in.
2026 contribution limits
The IRS limits used as defaults.
- Employee deferral limit $24,500
- Catch-up, age 50 and over +$8,000
- Catch-up, ages 60 to 63 +$11,250 (instead of $8,000)
Limits usually rise with inflation. You can change the limit in the advanced settings.
Example 1: steady saving with a match
Age 35, retire at 65, $25,000 saved, $70,000 salary rising 2% a year, 8% contribution, 50% match up to 6%, 6% return.
- Estimated balance at 65 $923,230
- In today’s dollars (2.5% inflation) $440,143
The employer match adds 3% of salary every year for free.
Example 2: what you put in
The same plan with 0% return, to show contributions alone.
- Your contributions $168,000
- Employer match $63,000
- Plus starting balance $256,000 in total
Investment growth is what turns about $256,000 of savings into over $900,000 in Example 1.
Where a 403(b) calculator helps
Teachers and school staff
See whether your 403(b) is on track for retirement.
Hospital and nonprofit workers
Plan contributions to make the most of your employer match.
Choosing a contribution rate
Compare 5%, 10% or 15% to see the long-term difference.
Catch-up planning
See how extra contributions after 50 boost your balance.
Some 403(b) plans offer an extra $3,000 a year for employees with 15 or more years at the same eligible employer. This calculator gives an estimate, not financial advice. See how long savings will last with the how long will my money last calculator, compare with the 401(k) calculator, or check the 457(b) calculator if you can use both plans.
403(b) calculator FAQ
What is a 403(b) plan?
A tax-advantaged retirement plan for employees of public schools, hospitals, churches and many nonprofits. It works much like a 401(k).
What is the 403(b) contribution limit for 2026?
$24,500 for employee contributions, plus $8,000 catch-up from age 50, or $11,250 at ages 60 to 63.
Is a 403(b) the same as a 401(k)?
They are very similar and share the same contribution limit. The main differences are who offers them and some plan rules, such as the 15-year catch-up.
Can I have a 403(b) and a 457(b)?
Yes. If your employer offers both, each has its own limit, so you may be able to save up to twice the limit in total.
What return should I use?
Many people test a cautious long-term figure such as 5% to 7% after fees, then try a lower one to see the range.
Does this include taxes?
No. It shows the account balance before any tax due on withdrawals.