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Retirement & Planning

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

Use this calculator to determine which 403(b) contribution type might be right for you

Inputs
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%
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Estimates only. Adjust any value to recalculate instantly.

Results
Better after-tax outcome Pre-tax 403(b) by $26,598 for the same out-of-pocket cost
Roth 403(b) (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 403(b) (tax-free)Pre-tax (after tax)
After-tax value: Roth 403(b) (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 403(b) 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 roth 403(b) vs. traditional 403(b) calculator works

It grows equal contributions to a Roth and a traditional 403(b), leaves the Roth tax-free, and taxes the traditional at your expected retirement rate to compare after-tax outcomes.

Worked example

Worked example: with annual 403(b) contribution of $10,000, years until retirement of 30 and annual return of 7.00%, the roth 403(b) vs traditional 403(b) calculator shows better after-tax outcome of Pre-tax 403(b).

Roth 403(b) (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. Traditional 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 roth 403(b) vs. traditional 403(b) calculator

What is a 403(b)?

A retirement plan for employees of schools, hospitals and nonprofits, similar to a 401(k). Many offer both Roth and traditional contribution options.

Should I pick Roth or traditional 403(b)?

Roth favours those expecting a higher tax rate later; traditional favours those expecting a lower one. The after-tax comparison here helps you decide.

Can I split between Roth and traditional?

Usually yes, within the combined limit. Splitting hedges against uncertainty about your future tax bracket.

Is the Roth 403(b) vs. Traditional 403(b) 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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