For informational purposes only. Not financial, investment, or tax advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs provided. Consult a qualified financial professional before making financial decisions.
Calculator tool
How this calculator works
Use the explanation to understand the formula, assumptions, and practical limits behind the calculator result.
What the Roth IRA Calculator Shows
This calculator projects a Roth IRA balance from the current balance, annual contribution, return assumption, and years to retirement. It then compares that projected balance with a same-size traditional IRA balance after the withdrawal tax rate entered.
2026 Contribution Limits Used
| Age entered | Annual contribution cap used |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | $7,500 |
| 50 or older | $8,600 |
The calculator caps entered annual contributions at the age-based limit, but it does not test Roth IRA income eligibility.
What the Comparison Means
The comparison is intentionally narrow:
- Roth value: projected balance treated as tax-free on qualified withdrawal
- Traditional value: same projected balance reduced by the tax rate entered
This isolates the effect of future withdrawal tax on an equal account balance. It does not model the upfront tax deduction that a traditional IRA contribution may or may not receive today.
What You Still Need to Verify
Roth IRA rules also depend on qualified-distribution requirements and modified adjusted gross income limits. Those rules can change by year and are not inferred from the inputs on this page. Use the projection to understand long-run growth and after-tax comparison, then verify eligibility and current tax treatment separately.
Frequently asked questions
What Roth IRA contribution limit does the calculator use for 2026?
It uses 8,600 for age 50 or older, matching the 2026 IRA contribution cap and catch-up amount.
Does the calculator check whether my income allows a Roth IRA contribution?
No. Roth eligibility can depend on modified adjusted gross income and filing status. This tool projects account growth only, so verify current contribution eligibility before treating the result as actionable.
When is a Roth IRA withdrawal tax-free?
Qualified withdrawals generally require the account to satisfy the five-year rule and a qualifying event such as reaching age 59 1/2. The calculator assumes the tax-free Roth side of the comparison only for qualified withdrawals.
Does a larger Roth result prove Roth is better than traditional IRA?
No. The page compares the same projected balance before and after a future withdrawal tax rate. A full Roth-versus-traditional decision also depends on today's tax deduction, future tax bracket, contribution eligibility, and whether you can invest tax savings elsewhere.
