403(b) Calculator
Work for a school, hospital, or nonprofit? Project what your 403(b) could grow to. Enter your current balance, monthly contribution, employer match, expected return, and years to go — this free 403(b) calculator shows your projected balance, total contributions, and how much is pure investment growth. Runs entirely in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 403(b) plan?
A 403(b) is a tax-advantaged retirement plan for employees of public schools, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, hospitals, and religious organizations. Like a 401(k), contributions are deducted from your paycheck — pre-tax or Roth — and grow tax-deferred until withdrawal.
What are the 2026 403(b) contribution limits?
For 2026, the IRS elective-deferral limit is $24,500 (pre-tax + Roth combined, across all your 403(b)/401(k) plans). Workers 50 or older can add an $8,000 catch-up; those aged 60–63 get a higher $11,250 catch-up. Total contributions from all sources (you + employer) are capped at $72,000. Long-tenured employees at some plans may also qualify for a 15-years-of-service catch-up of up to $3,000/year.
How does the employer match work?
Many employers match a percentage of your salary — e.g., 50% of what you contribute up to 6% of pay. It's free money: enter your employer's monthly match above (roughly: annual salary × match% ÷ 12). Always contribute at least enough to capture the full match before investing elsewhere.
403(b) vs 401(k): what's the difference?
Contribution limits, tax treatment, and catch-up rules are now nearly identical. The main differences are who offers them (403(b)s are for schools/nonprofits/government; 401(k)s for private companies) and investment menus — 403(b)s historically offered annuities, though most now include mutual funds like 401(k)s.
How is the projection calculated?
With monthly compounding: each month your balance grows by (annual return ÷ 12), then your contribution plus employer match is added. Future value = balance × (1 + r/12)12n + monthly total × (((1 + r/12)12n − 1) / (r/12)). The "investment growth" figure is the projected balance minus everything you and your employer put in.
When can I withdraw from a 403(b)?
Generally at age 59½ without penalty; withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income (Roth withdrawals are tax-free if qualified). Withdrawing earlier usually triggers a 10% penalty plus taxes, with exceptions for hardship, disability, or separation from service at 55+. Required minimum distributions begin in your mid-70s.