403(b) Calculator
403(b) calculator: project the retirement balance of a teacher, nonprofit or hospital worker from contributions, employer match and growth.
Editorial review: Farrow (pseudonym; identity and professional credentials are not disclosed). This page is for educational purposes, not professional advice.
Updated
Your inputs
Results update as you type. Nothing you enter leaves your device.
Results
- Starting balance
- $30,000
- Your contributions
- $169,423
- Employer match
- $42,356
- Investment growth
- $331,794
Example with the starting values
These results use the calculator's initial inputs. Change the values above to calculate your own estimate.
Inputs
- Current balance
- 30000 $
- Annual salary
- 62000 $
- Your contribution
- 8 %
- Employer match
- 50 % of contrib.
- Match up to
- 4 % of salary
- Salary growth
- 2.5 %/yr
- Expected return
- 6 %/yr
- Years to retirement
- 25
Results
- Balance in 25 years
- $573,573
- Starting balance
- $30,000
- Your contributions
- $169,423
- Employer match
- $42,356
- Investment growth
- $331,794
How does the 403(b) Calculator work?
A 403(b) is a tax-advantaged retirement plan for employees of public schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, hospitals and churches. It works like a 401(k) and shares the same contribution limit.
Each year your contribution is your salary × contribution %, capped at the IRS employee limit. The employer adds match % of your contributions, up to the match cap as a percent of salary. Many 403(b) plans have no match, so set it to 0 if yours does not.
The balance grows at the expected return, with contributions assumed to arrive mid-year. The 2026 employee limit is $24,500 and is held flat. The 403(b) 15-year service catch-up is not included.
For example, a $30,000 balance with a $62,000 salary and an 8% contribution grows to about $573,573 in 25 years at a 6% return, with $169,423 from your own contributions.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 403(b) and a 401(k)?
A 401(k) is offered by for-profit employers, a 403(b) by public schools, nonprofits and churches. Limits and taxes are the same. 403(b) plans more often offer annuities and less often a match.
What is the 403(b) contribution limit for 2026?
$24,500 in employee deferrals, plus an $8,000 catch-up at 50 and older. The limit is shared with any 401(k) you contribute to in the same year.
What is the 403(b) 15-year rule?
With 15 or more years at the same eligible employer, such as a school district or hospital, your plan may let you add up to $3,000 more a year, with a $15,000 lifetime cap.
Can I have a 403(b) and a 457(b) at the same time?
Yes. Many public school and government workers can max out both, because the 457(b) has its own separate limit.