Estimate what your 457(b) deferred compensation plan could grow to by retirement. The calculator applies the IRS limit to your deferrals and employer contributions combined, adds age-50, age 60–63 or the special final-three-years catch-up, and shows a year-by-year projection.
Last updated:
You & your plan
Plan type
$
Contributions
$
%
% of salary
% of salary
Counts toward the same 457(b) limit.
Growth & limits
% / yr
% / yr
% / yr
IRS raises limits with inflation, in $500 steps.
Special 457 catch-up (optional)
$
Ask your plan administrator for this figure.
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the 457(b) Calculator
Choose your plan type: governmental (state or local government) or a tax-exempt employer’s plan.
Enter your age, retirement age, salary and current balance.
Set your deferral % and any employer contribution.
Optionally turn on the special catch-up with your plan’s normal retirement age and unused past deferrals.
Press Calculate to see your projected balance, the yearly table and the chart.
How the 457(b) projection works
Each year the calculator finds your limit, takes the employer contribution first, then lets your own deferral fill the rest of the limit:
Limit = basic limit + the larger of (age catch-up, special catch-up) Your deferral = min(salary × deferral %, limit − employer contribution) End balance = start × (1 + r) + contributions × (1 + r/2)
The r/2 term gives contributions about half a year of growth because they are made through the year from each paycheck. Example: $75,000 salary, 10% deferral, no employer money, 6% return and a $50,000 starting balance give $50,000 × 1.06 + $7,500 × 1.03 = $60,725 after one year.
457(b) limits by year
Year
Basic limit
Age 50+ catch-up (gov. plans)
Age 60–63 catch-up
Special 3-year catch-up (max total)
2024
$23,000
$7,500
—
$46,000
2025
$23,500
$7,500
$11,250
$47,000
2026
$24,500
$8,000
$11,250
$49,000
Sources: IRS Notices 2023-75, 2024-80 and 2025-67. You can use either the age-based catch-up or the special catch-up in a year, not both. From 2026, catch-ups by employees whose prior-year FICA wages exceeded $150,000 must be Roth.
457(b) vs 401(k): key differences
Governmental 457(b)
401(k)
Who offers it
State and local governments
Private employers
Employer money counts toward deferral limit
Yes
No (separate $72,000 total limit)
10% early-withdrawal penalty
None after separation
Yes before 59½ (55 if you leave the job in that year)
Special catch-up
Final 3 years before normal retirement age
Not available
Can stack with a 403(b)/401(k)
Yes, separate limit
Shares one limit with 403(b)
Frequently asked questions
What is the 457(b) contribution limit for 2026?
The 2026 limit is $24,500 (up from $23,500 in 2025), or 100% of includible compensation if less. Governmental plans also allow an $8,000 age-50 catch-up and an $11,250 catch-up for ages 60 to 63. The limit is separate from the 401(k)/403(b) limit, so someone with both plans can defer up to the limit in each.
What is the special 457(b) catch-up?
In the three years before the year you reach your plan’s normal retirement age, you can defer up to twice the normal limit ($49,000 in 2026) if you under-contributed in earlier years. The extra amount is limited to your unused deferral room from past years, and you can’t use it in the same year as the age-50 catch-up; you get whichever is larger.
Do employer contributions count toward the 457(b) limit?
Yes. Unlike a 401(k), where only your own deferrals count toward the $24,500 limit, a 457(b) limit covers employee and employer contributions together. A large employer contribution therefore reduces how much you can defer yourself.
Is there an early withdrawal penalty on a 457(b)?
No. The 10% additional tax on early distributions does not apply to 457(b) plans, so once you separate from the employer you can take withdrawals at any age and pay only ordinary income tax. The exception is money you rolled into the 457(b) from a 401(k), 403(b) or IRA, which keeps that plan’s penalty rules.
How is a governmental 457(b) different from a non-governmental one?
Governmental plans (states, cities, school districts, public universities) hold assets in trust for participants, allow age-50 catch-ups and Roth contributions and can be rolled to an IRA or 401(k). Non-governmental plans from tax-exempt employers are limited to select highly paid employees, the money stays the employer’s asset subject to its creditors, there is no age-50 catch-up and no rollover to an IRA.
Can I contribute to a 457(b) and a 403(b) at the same time?
Yes. Many public school and hospital employees have both, and the limits are separate. In 2026 you could defer $24,500 into each plan ($49,000 total), plus applicable catch-ups.
What return should I assume?
Use a rate that fits your investment mix and time horizon; the result is only as good as that assumption. Many planners test a conservative and an optimistic rate, for example 5% and 7%, and plan around the lower outcome.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.