457(b) Calculator

Calculate 457(b) deferred compensation plan growth. No early withdrawal penalty.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: IRS

$
%
$
%
Last 3 Years Catch-Up?

Projected 457(b) Balance

$461,843.62

Growth

$281,843.62

457(b) Details

Annual Contribution$7,000.00
Contribution Limit$24,500.00
No Early Withdrawal PenaltyYes (457 advantage)
Projected Balance$461,843.62

Use the 457(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

Government workers and some non-profit employees rely on the 457(b) as a deferred compensation plan, and this tool projects how that account might grow. The 2026 contribution limit for most participants is projected at $23,500, with an added catch-up of $7,500 for those 50 and over, bringing their ceiling to $31,000, and knowing those figures helps you set a realistic savings pace.

Projections here use the compound interest formula A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt), in which A is the future value, P is the principal (your initial balance plus annual contributions), r is the annual interest rate, n is how many times interest compounds per year, and t is the number of years invested. For simplicity and to capture the fullest compounding, the calculation assumes annual contributions land at the start of each year.

One trait sets the 457(b) apart: its lack of an early-withdrawal penalty on money taken out after you separate from service, whatever your age, which gives it unusual flexibility. Those withdrawals still count as ordinary income for tax purposes. Investment fees deserve close watch too, since they can quietly drag down long-term growth, and your own risk tolerance should guide which options you pick inside the plan.

Example: Projecting Growth for a New 457(b) Saver

  1. 1 Initial 457(b) Balance: $0. Annual Contribution: $23,500 (2026 projected limit). Annual Rate of Return: 7%. Years to Grow: 25. Compounding Frequency: Annually.
  2. 2 Year 1: $23,500 * (1 + 0.07)^1 = $25,145. Subsequent years add the annual contribution to the previous year's balance before compounding.
  3. 3 After 10 years, with consistent contributions and growth, the estimated balance would be approximately $350,000.
  4. 4 After 25 years, this 457(b) plan, with a $0 initial balance, $23,500 annual contributions, and a 7% annual return, is projected to grow to approximately $1,570,000, illustrating the immense power of consistent saving and compounding over time.

Source: IRS · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advantage of a 457(b) over a 401(k)?
The biggest advantage of a governmental 457(b) is no 10% early withdrawal penalty regardless of age. When you separate from your employer, you can access funds without penalty. This makes it valuable for early retirees.
Can I contribute to both a 457(b) and a 403(b)?
Yes, if your employer offers both. Each plan has its own separate $24,500 limit (2026), so you could defer up to $49,000 combined plus any applicable catch-up contributions. This is a powerful savings strategy for government and nonprofit employees.
What is the 457(b) contribution limit for 2026?
The standard limit is $24,500. The catch-up for ages 50+ is $7,500. The special 457(b) three-year catch-up allows up to $49,000 per year in the three years before normal retirement age, if you have unused prior-year limits.

You might also need

401(k) Calculator 2026 — Retirement Savings & Employer Match

Calculate your 401(k) balance at retirement with employer match and growth projections. Compare Roth vs Traditional. Based on 2026 IRS contribution limits.

Roth IRA Calculator 2026 — Growth, Limits & Tax-Free Income

Calculate Roth IRA growth projections and tax-free withdrawals. Compare to Traditional IRA side by side. Free, instant results with 2026 contribution limits.

Roth Conversion Calculator 2026 — Tax Impact & Break-Even

Calculate the tax impact of converting a Traditional IRA to Roth. See your break-even year and multi-year projections. Free, instant results for 2026 rates.