Useful next calculations
When to use this calculator
- Before choosing between saving, investing or changing a contribution.
- When you want to compare cautious, base and optimistic return assumptions.
- When you need a projection before making a longer-term decision.
- When you want to see whether starting earlier or contributing more changes the outcome more.
A worked example
These are the example figures the calculator opens with.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Your Current Age | 30 |
| Retirement Age | 65 |
| Current Roth IRA Balance ($) | $0 |
| Annual Contribution ($) | $7,000 |
For those figures the calculator returns:
- Tax-free balance: $1,035,394.22
- Your contributions: $245,000.00
- Tax-free growth: $790,394.22
- Traditional IRA equivalent: $1,327,428.49
- 4% rule monthly: $3,451.31
How to read your results
Tax-Free Balance
Review this figure alongside gross income and the local tax rules that apply to you. It is a planning estimate, not a filing result.
Tax-Free Growth
Review this figure alongside gross income and the local tax rules that apply to you. It is a planning estimate, not a filing result.
Method & assumptions
This calculator projects your Roth IRA balance at retirement using compound annual growth, capped at the 2026 IRS contribution limits of $7,500 ($8,000 for ages 50 and over). Each year, your contribution is added to the running balance and the full sum grows at your chosen rate. The Traditional IRA equivalent divides your Roth balance by one minus your marginal tax rate, showing the pre-tax account value that delivers the same after-tax spending power — quantifying Roth’s tax-free advantage in concrete dollar terms.
Results are illustrative and assume a constant annual return with contributions made at the start of each year. They do not account for income phase-outs, backdoor conversions, Roth 401(k) rollovers, or required minimum distributions, which do not apply to Roth IRAs under current law. Contribution limits and tax rates are subject to change by Congress. Verify current IRS limits at irs.gov and consult a financial advisor before making contribution or conversion decisions.
Common mistakes
- Using an assumption that is not supported by a current local quote, bill, statement or official source.
- Treating a generic estimate as a lender, provider, payroll or tax authority decision.
- Mixing monthly and annual inputs without converting them consistently.
- Testing only one scenario instead of checking how a cautious assumption changes the result.
What to do next
- Run a second scenario with a cautious assumption so you can see the downside clearly.
- Compare the result with the related calculators below before making a decision.
- Check current local rules, eligibility and provider terms before applying or committing money.
- Keep a record of the assumptions so you can update the estimate when a quote, bill or pay figure changes.