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Roth 403(b) vs. Traditional 403(b) Calculator

Compare Roth and traditional 403(b) deferrals

2026 IRS 403(b) limits

yrs

Your age at the end of 2026.

yrs
$/yr

Same amount into either account at the start of each year, capped at your limit for that year.

Only these employers can offer the 15-year catch-up, and only if the plan allows it.

yrs
%

Marginal federal plus state rate.

%

Average rate on withdrawals.

%
More options
$

Pre-tax and Roth. The 15-year catch-up is only available while this stays below $5,000 per year of service.

$

Lifetime cap is $15,000.

$

Above $150,000, age-50 catch-ups must go in as Roth, assumed every year.

%

Employer contributions are usually pre-tax under either choice, so they are left out.

Your results

Better choice

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Ahead by

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Roth 403(b) after tax

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Traditional 403(b) after tax

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Your 2026 deferral limit

Base limit–
15-year catch-up–
Age-based catch-up–
Total you can defer in 2026–

At retirement

Total deferred–
15-year catch-up used in the projection–
Pre-tax balance (traditional choice)–
Invested tax savings–
Break-even retirement tax rate–

Year-by-year comparison

Limits use 2026 dollar amounts every year. After-tax values are what you would keep if you withdrew everything at the end of that year.

AgeYour limitDeferral15-year catch-upRoth 403(b)Traditional after taxRoth ahead by

Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial, tax or legal advice.

Compare what Roth and pre-tax 403(b) deferrals leave you after tax at retirement, using your 2026 limit including the 15-year service catch-up and age-based catch-ups. Pair this with the roth ira calculator for a fuller picture before you make a decision.