403b Calculator (403(b) Retirement Plan)
Teachers, nurses, nonprofit and public employees save through 403(b) plans. Enter your salary, contribution percentage, employer match and expected return to estimate your balance at retirement. The same math works for 457(b) and 401(k) plans.
- Balance at retirement
- $572,646.50
- Your contributions
- $166,557.56
- Employer contributions
- $62,459.08
- Investment growth
- $323,629.86
- First-year contribution
- $5,200.00
Employee deferrals are capped at the 2026 IRS limit of $24,500.00 (age 50+ may add $8,000.00 catch-up, not modeled).
Worked example
Example: $65,000 salary, 8% contribution, 50% match up to 6%
- You contribute 8% = $5,200/year
- Employer matches 50% of the first 6% = $1,950/year
- Over 25 years at 6% with 2% raises and a $20,000 start → ≈ $573,000
Roughly $573,000 at retirement.
Formula
Yearly deposit = min(Salary × Contribution %, IRS limit) + Salary × min(Contribution %, Match cap) × Match %
Deposits are spread monthly and grow at the expected return; salary rises each year by your raise percentage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 403(b) contribution limit for 2026?
$24,500 in employee deferrals, plus an $8,000 catch-up if you're 50 or older (higher “super catch-up” for ages 60–63).
Is a 403(b) the same as a 401(k)?
They're very similar. 403(b)s are offered by schools, hospitals and nonprofits; investment menus and some catch-up rules differ.
Does this work for a 457(b)?
Yes — set the employer match to 0% if your plan doesn't match. 457(b) withdrawals after leaving your job aren't subject to the 10% early penalty.
Is this financial advice?
No. Results are estimates for planning and education. Rates, taxes and lender rules vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed financial professional.
Last reviewed October 17, 2026 · Calculations run in your browser; nothing you enter is sent to a server.