403(b) Calculator
A 403(b) is the retirement savings plan for employees of public schools and certain tax-exempt organizations — essentially the nonprofit and public-sector equivalent of a 401(k). Like a 401(k), contributions are made pre-tax and grow tax-deferred, and many employers offer matching contributions that amount to free money you should always capture. This calculator projects your 403(b) balance based on your current balance, your annual contributions, your employer's annual contribution, your expected return, and the years to retirement, so you can see how a career of contributions and compounding adds up. Enter your current balance, your annual contribution, your employer's annual contribution, expected annual return, and years to retirement, and the calculator returns your projected balance, total contributions, and growth. The 2026 contribution limit is $23,000 per year, plus a $7,500 catch-up if you're 50 or older, and some long-tenured employees with 15 or more years of service may qualify for an additional catch-up. Many plans offer both a Traditional (pre-tax) and a Roth (after-tax) contribution option, so check what your plan allows. If your employer offers a match, contribute at least enough to capture the full match — it's an immediate 50% to 100% return on your contributions that you should never leave on the table. If you change jobs, you can roll the 403(b) into an IRA or a new employer's plan to maintain tax deferral and consolidate accounts. This calculator is tailored to public-sector and nonprofit employees and helps you decide how much to contribute, see the value of the employer match, and project the tax-deferred balance you're building toward retirement.
403(b) Calculator
Project your 403(b) balance including employer contributions for public-sector and nonprofit employees.
Projected balance
$708,227
After 20 years
Total contributions
$310,000
Investment growth
$398,227
A 403(b) is the public-sector and nonprofit equivalent of a 401(k). The 2026 employee contribution limit is $23,000 plus a $7,500 catch-up if you are 50 or older.
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter your current 403(b) balance.
- 2Enter your annual contribution.
- 3Enter your employer's annual contribution.
- 4Enter your expected annual return.
- 5Enter the years to retirement.
Why It Helps
- ✓Tailored to public-sector and nonprofit employees.
- ✓Includes employer contributions.
- ✓Projects tax-deferred growth over time.
- ✓Helps you decide how much to contribute.
About This Calculator
A 403(b) is the retirement savings plan for employees of public schools and certain tax-exempt organizations — essentially the nonprofit and public-sector equivalent of a 401(k). Like a 401(k), contributions are made pre-tax and grow tax-deferred, and many employers offer matching contributions that amount to free money you should always capture. This calculator projects your 403(b) balance based on your current balance, your annual contributions, your employer's annual contribution, your expected return, and the years to retirement, so you can see how a career of contributions and compounding adds up. Enter your current balance, your annual contribution, your employer's annual contribution, expected annual return, and years to retirement, and the calculator returns your projected balance, total contributions, and growth. The 2026 contribution limit is $23,000 per year, plus a $7,500 catch-up if you're 50 or older, and some long-tenured employees with 15 or more years of service may qualify for an additional catch-up. Many plans offer both a Traditional (pre-tax) and a Roth (after-tax) contribution option, so check what your plan allows. If your employer offers a match, contribute at least enough to capture the full match — it's an immediate 50% to 100% return on your contributions that you should never leave on the table. If you change jobs, you can roll the 403(b) into an IRA or a new employer's plan to maintain tax deferral and consolidate accounts. This calculator is tailored to public-sector and nonprofit employees and helps you decide how much to contribute, see the value of the employer match, and project the tax-deferred balance you're building toward retirement.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or investment advice. Results depend on assumptions that may not reflect your actual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 403(b) contribution limit?
$23,000 per year, plus a $7,500 catch-up if you are 50 or older. Some long-tenured employees qualify for an additional catch-up.
Is a 403(b) the same as a 401(k)?
They are very similar. The main difference is who offers them: 403(b)s are for public schools and certain nonprofits; 401(k)s are for private companies.
Does my employer match 403(b) contributions?
Some do, some don't. If yours offers a match, contribute at least enough to capture the full match — it is free money.
Are 403(b) contributions pre-tax or Roth?
Many plans offer both a Traditional (pre-tax) and a Roth (after-tax) option. Check what your plan allows.
Can I roll over a 403(b) if I change jobs?
Yes. You can roll it into an IRA or a new employer's plan to maintain tax deferral and consolidate accounts.
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Written by
James MitchellSenior Financial Analyst & Personal Finance Expert
Certified Financial Planner (CFP) • MBA in Finance, University of Chicago Booth School of Business