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Retirement & Planning

457 Plan: Roth vs. Pre-tax Calculator

Use this calculator to help determine whether a Roth or Pre-tax 457 might be best for you.

Inputs
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Estimates only. Adjust any value to recalculate instantly.

Results
Better after-tax outcome Pre-tax 457 by $26,598 for the same out-of-pocket cost
Roth 457 (tax-free) $1,010,730
Pre-tax balance $1,329,908
Pre-tax after tax $1,037,329
Difference $26,598
After-tax retirement value
After-tax retirement value Roth: $1.0MPre-tax (after tax): $1.0M
  • Roth $1.0M
  • Pre-tax (after tax) $1.0M
After-tax value Roth 457 (tax-free)Pre-tax (after tax)
After-tax value: Roth 457 (tax-free) vs Pre-tax (after tax) $2.0M$1.5M$1.0M$512k$0 Yr 1Yr 6Yr 11Yr 16Yr 21Yr 26

For the same out-of-pocket cost, the Roth 457 wins when your retirement tax rate (22%) is above today's (24%): a deductible pre-tax contribution starts larger but is taxed on withdrawal. If your rate falls in retirement, pre-tax pulls ahead.

After-tax value by yearView table
YearRoth (tax-free)Pre-tax (after-tax)
1$10,700$10,982
2$22,149$22,732
3$34,399$35,305
4$47,507$48,758
5$61,533$63,152
6$76,540$78,554
7$92,598$95,035
8$109,780$112,669
9$128,164$131,537
10$147,836$151,726
11$168,885$173,329
12$191,406$196,443
13$215,505$221,176
14$241,290$247,640
15$268,881$275,956
16$298,402$306,255
17$329,990$338,674
18$363,790$373,363
19$399,955$410,480
20$438,652$450,195
21$480,057$492,690
22$524,361$538,160
23$571,767$586,813
24$622,490$638,872
25$676,765$694,574
26$734,838$754,176
27$796,977$817,950
28$863,465$886,188
29$934,608$959,203
30$1,010,730$1,037,329

How the 457 plan: roth vs. pre-tax calculator works

It projects equal contributions to a Roth and a pre-tax 457, keeps the Roth tax-free, and taxes the pre-tax balance at your expected retirement rate, then compares the after-tax results.

Worked example

Worked example: with annual 457 contribution of $10,000, years until retirement of 30 and annual return of 7.00%, the 457 plan roth vs pre-tax calculator shows better after-tax outcome of Pre-tax 457.

Roth 457 (tax-free)
$1,010,730
Pre-tax balance
$1,329,908
Pre-tax after tax
$1,037,329
Difference
$26,598
After-tax value: Roth vs Pre-tax
Tax rate in retirementRothPre-tax
14.00% $1,010,730 $1,143,721
22.00% $1,010,730 $1,037,329
26.00% $1,010,730 $984,132
34.00% $1,010,730 $877,740

The better choice flips around 26.00% — Roth wins on one side, Pre-tax on the other.

The formula

Both grow as (balance + contribution) × (1 + return). Roth after-tax = balance. Pre-tax after-tax = balance × (1 − retirement tax rate).

Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Confirm exact figures with your lender, plan administrator or advisor.

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Frequently asked

Questions about the 457 plan: roth vs. pre-tax calculator

Does a 457 offer a Roth option?

Many governmental 457(b) plans now offer Roth contributions alongside pre-tax. The choice comes down to whether you expect higher or lower taxes in retirement.

When is Roth better in a 457?

When your tax rate in retirement is likely the same or higher than today, since you lock in today’s rate and withdraw tax-free later.

Is the 457 early-withdrawal rule different?

Yes — governmental 457 plans generally avoid the 10% early-withdrawal penalty after you leave the employer, a notable advantage over 401(k)s and 403(b)s.

Is the 457 Plan: Roth vs. Pre-tax Calculator free to use?

Yes. Every calculator on FinCalculators is completely free, with no sign-up, login or paywall. You can run as many scenarios as you like.

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