403(b) Calculator

Calculate 403(b) retirement savings for nonprofit and education employees.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: IRS

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Projected 403(b) Balance

$843,237.81

Investment Growth

$581,987.81

Annual Contributions

Your Contribution$6,500.00
Employer Match$1,950.00
Total Annual$8,450.00

Use the 403(b) Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Employees at non-profits and schools can use this tool to project how their 403(b) balance might grow over time. Those projections are easier to read against the 2026 limits: elective deferrals are capped at $23,000, and workers who are 50 or older can add a catch-up contribution of $7,500 on top of that, which together set the ceiling on how much you can put away each year.

The math runs on the future value of an annuity formula, FV = P * (((1 + r)^n - 1) / r), where P is each periodic contribution, r is the annual growth rate divided by the compounding frequency, and n is the total number of contributions. Employer contributions fold into the calculation as well, and the result reflects the compounding benefit of tax-deferred growth across the investment horizon you specify.

Any projected return here is hypothetical, and real investment performance can swing well above or below it. Inflation quietly eats into what your future balance will actually buy, so it is worth setting savings targets with that erosion in mind. Employer matching also deserves attention, since those contributions can meaningfully enlarge the balance you end up with at retirement.

Example: Sarah's 403(b) Growth

  1. 1 Sarah, a 35-year-old teacher, contributes $1,000 monthly to her 403(b). Her employer matches 50% of her contributions up to 6% of her $60,000 salary, meaning an additional $180 per month. She expects an average annual return of 7% and plans to retire at 65.
  2. 2 Monthly Contribution: $1,000 (employee) + $180 (employer) = $1,180. Retirement Horizon: 30 years (360 months). Total contributions: $1,180 * 360 = $424,800. Using the future value of an annuity formula with a 7% annual return (0.07/12 monthly) over 360 months.
  3. 3 After 30 years of contributions and growth, Sarah's 403(b) account would accumulate approximately $1,421,500 from her contributions alone, before considering employer matches.
  4. 4 Factoring in the employer match and compounding returns, Sarah's 403(b) is projected to reach approximately $1,705,800 by the time she retires at age 65, providing a substantial foundation for her retirement.

Source: IRS · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 403(b) contribution limit for 2026?
The employee contribution limit is $24,500 for 2026. The catch-up contribution for ages 50+ is $7,500, and the new super catch-up for ages 60-63 is $11,250. The total combined employer/employee limit is $70,000.
What is the difference between a 403(b) and a 401(k)?
Both have the same contribution limits and tax treatment. The 403(b) is for public schools, nonprofits, and religious organizations. Some 403(b) plans offer annuity options not available in 401(k) plans, and 403(b) plans with only annuity options may have fewer regulatory requirements.
Can I have both a 403(b) and an IRA?
Yes. You can contribute to both a 403(b) and a Traditional or Roth IRA. However, your Traditional IRA deduction may be reduced or eliminated if your income exceeds certain thresholds since you are covered by an employer plan.

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