403(b) calculator
Project future 403(b) savings for school districts, hospitals, and nonprofit employers. Enter current balance, monthly deferrals, employer match, expected return, and years to grow.
FAQ for this calculator
- Who can use a 403(b)?
- Employees of public schools, colleges, hospitals, churches, and certain nonprofits. Rules resemble 401(k) deferrals but plan vendors and fees differ.
- Does this include IRS limits?
- No—enter realistic contribution amounts. Elective deferral limits align with 401(k) caps but change annually.
- 403(b) vs 401(k)?
- Math is similar; 403(b) plans often offer annuity products and serve nonprofit employers. Use this page for 403(b) planning.
- 15-year catch-up?
- Long-tenure 403(b) participants may have extra catch-up rules—this calculator does not model them. Enter actual deferrals you plan to make.
How to use the 403(b) projection calculator
403(b) plans for public schools and tax-exempt employers work like other salary-deferral retirement accounts. Each month the balance grows by return, then your contribution plus employer match is added.
- Enter current 403(b) balance.
- Set monthly salary deferral and employer match percent.
- Pick expected return and years until retirement.
When to use this calculator
- Teachers comparing 403(b) deferrals vs Roth IRA outside the plan.
- Seeing how district match formulas affect long-term balance.
- Mid-career projection after rolling over an old 403(b).
Examples & walkthrough
- $15k now, $400/mo, 50% match, 7% return, 25 years → balance well above contributions alone.
- Stress-test with 5% return if your plan uses conservative assumptions.