See what your 403(b) could grow to by retirement. Enter your salary, contribution rate, employer match and expected return; the calculator applies the yearly IRS limits, the age 50+ and 60–63 catch-ups and, for long-serving staff at qualifying employers, the special 15-year catch-up.
Last updated:
You
$
%
$
%
Contributions
How much you contribute
% of pay
%
e.g. 50% of what you put in…
% of pay
% of pay
Paid even if you contribute nothing (common at universities).
15-year catch-up (optional)
$
$
Lifetime limit is $15,000.
Assumptions
%
%
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the 403(b) Calculator
Enter your age, retirement age, salary and current balance.
Choose a contribution rate or pick 'Max out every year'.
Add your employer's match and any non-elective contribution.
Tick the 15-year catch-up box if you have 15+ years at a qualifying employer, and enter your past deferrals.
Press Calculate 403(b) and review the yearly table and chart.
How the projection works
Your deferral = contribution % × salary, capped at the base limit plus any catch-ups you qualify for
Employer = match % × your deferral (up to the match cap % of pay) + non-elective % × pay
Balance each year = last balance × (1 + return) + contributions × (1 + return)½, because money goes in through the year
If you have 15 or more years of service with a qualifying organization, your extra deferral for the year is the smallest of:
Test
Amount
Annual cap
$3,000
Lifetime cap
$15,000 minus 15-year catch-ups already used
Under-saving test
$5,000 × years of service minus all past elective deferrals with the employer
Example: 18 years of service and $70,000 of past deferrals: $5,000 × 18 − $70,000 = $20,000, so the full $3,000 is available this year. Someone who already deferred $95,000 over those 18 years gets nothing, because they did not under-save. The rule rewards people who contributed little early in their careers.
403(b) limits by year
Year
Deferral
Catch-up 50+
Catch-up 60–63
Total additions
2026
$24,500
$8,000
$11,250
$72,000
2025
$23,500
$7,500
$11,250
$70,000
2024
$23,000
$7,500
—
$69,000
Source: IRS annual cost-of-living adjustments. Check your plan's rules: not every 403(b) plan offers the 15-year catch-up or a match.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 403(b) contribution limit for 2026?
$24,500 of elective deferrals for 2026, up from $23,500 in 2025. Savers aged 50 or older can add an $8,000 catch-up, and those aged 60 to 63 can add $11,250 instead. Total employee plus employer additions are capped at $72,000, not counting age catch-ups.
What is the 403(b) 15-year catch-up?
A special extra deferral for employees with at least 15 years of service at a qualifying employer such as a public school, hospital, church or certain nonprofits. It allows up to $3,000 more per year, $15,000 over a lifetime, but only while your total past deferrals with that employer are below $5,000 times your years of service.
Can I use the 15-year and age 50 catch-ups together?
Yes. If you qualify for both, amounts above the normal limit are counted first as the 15-year catch-up and then as the age 50+ catch-up. Together they can add up to $11,000 in 2026 ($3,000 + $8,000) on top of the base limit.
How is a 403(b) different from a 401(k)?
A 403(b) is offered by public schools, hospitals, churches and other tax-exempt employers, while a 401(k) is mainly offered by for-profit companies. Contribution limits are the same, but only 403(b) plans have the 15-year catch-up and some invest only in annuities and mutual funds.
What return should I assume?
Many people use 5% to 7% a year for a stock-heavy long-term mix and less for conservative portfolios. Past results do not guarantee future returns, so try a few rates to see a range of outcomes.
Does a 403(b) reduce my taxes?
Traditional pre-tax deferrals lower your taxable income now, and withdrawals in retirement are taxed as income. Roth 403(b) deferrals are taxed now but qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Both still count toward the same yearly limit.
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.