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Patient tool · HSA & FSA

HSA vs FSA calculator

Compare a year with an HSA against a year with a health FSA, including what's left over.

Editorial review in progress · How we review

Uses 2026 figures
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$
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Your top federal bracket. Most households earning $50k–$200k are in the 12%, 22% or 24% bracket.

%

Enter 0 if your state has no income tax (for example Texas, Florida or Washington).

yrs
%

Your results will appear here.
Adjust the numbers, then press Calculate.

Assumptions
  • 2026 limits: HSA $4,400 self / $8,750 family; health FSA $3,400 with up to $680 carryover (if your plan offers it).
  • Both run through payroll here, so both skip federal, state and FICA tax. HSA money never expires; unused FSA money above the carryover is lost.
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Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) both let you pay for medical care with pre-tax money. They work differently, though, and the better choice depends on how much care you expect and which health plan you pick. This calculator compares a year with each.

How it works

You enter your expected medical costs, how much you'd put in each account, your tax rates, and how long leftover HSA money might stay invested.

  • Tax savings are the same rate for both accounts when you contribute through payroll: federal, state and 7.65% payroll tax.
  • Limits differ. For 2026 you can put up to $4,400 (self-only) or $8,750 (family) in an HSA, and up to $3,400 in a health FSA.
  • Leftovers differ. Unused FSA money above the $680 carryover (if your plan offers one) is lost. Unused HSA money stays yours and can grow.

The main result is the HSA's first-year advantage: its tax savings minus the FSA's tax savings after any forfeited money.

Example

Sam expects $1,500 in medical costs and pays 22% federal plus 4% state tax.

  • HSA: $4,400 contributed saves about $1,481, and $2,900 is left over.
  • FSA: $1,500 elected saves about $505, with nothing lost.

The HSA comes out about $976 ahead in year one, and the $2,900 leftover can keep growing for future care.

Look at the whole picture

An HSA needs a high-deductible health plan, which usually has lower premiums but higher costs when you need care. Compare the plans before you choose an account.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I have both an HSA and an FSA?

Not a regular health FSA. You can pair an HSA with a limited-purpose FSA that covers only dental and vision costs, if your employer offers one.

Which is better for a family with big medical bills?

It depends on the plans behind the accounts. An HSA requires a high-deductible plan, so compare premiums and deductibles too. The HDHP vs PPO calculator can help.

Does the HSA leftover really belong to me?

Yes. HSA money stays yours if you change jobs, switch plans or retire. You can invest it and use it for medical costs at any age.

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