Money calculators · Updated
Roth IRA Calculator
Project your Roth IRA balance and compare two possible tax timings for taxable investing. Change the contribution and return assumptions to see how the outcome changes.
The hypothetical taxable investment, with tax on all positive growth each year, would have a net value of $760,169.
| Age | Contributed that year | Roth balance | Tax scenario net value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | $7,000.00 | $17,700.00 | $17,546.00 |
| 32 | $7,000.00 | $25,939.00 | $25,504.01 |
| 33 | $7,000.00 | $34,754.73 | $33,896.53 |
| 34 | $7,000.00 | $44,187.56 | $42,747.28 |
| 35 | $7,000.00 | $54,280.69 | $52,081.28 |
| 36 | $7,000.00 | $65,080.34 | $61,924.92 |
| 37 | $7,000.00 | $76,635.96 | $72,306.02 |
| 38 | $7,000.00 | $89,000.48 | $83,253.93 |
| 39 | $7,000.00 | $102,230.51 | $94,799.59 |
| 40 | $7,000.00 | $116,386.65 | $106,975.65 |
| 41 | $7,000.00 | $131,533.71 | $119,816.52 |
| 42 | $7,000.00 | $147,741.07 | $133,358.51 |
| 43 | $7,000.00 | $165,082.95 | $147,639.88 |
| 44 | $7,000.00 | $183,638.76 | $162,701.02 |
| 45 | $7,000.00 | $203,493.47 | $178,584.49 |
| 46 | $7,000.00 | $224,738.01 | $195,335.21 |
| 47 | $7,000.00 | $247,469.67 | $213,000.51 |
| 48 | $7,000.00 | $271,792.55 | $231,630.34 |
| 49 | $7,000.00 | $297,818.03 | $251,277.35 |
| 50 | $7,000.00 | $325,665.29 | $271,997.10 |
| 51 | $7,000.00 | $355,461.86 | $293,848.14 |
| 52 | $7,000.00 | $387,344.19 | $316,892.25 |
| 53 | $7,000.00 | $421,458.28 | $341,194.56 |
| 54 | $7,000.00 | $457,960.36 | $366,823.79 |
| 55 | $7,000.00 | $497,017.59 | $393,852.36 |
| 56 | $7,000.00 | $538,808.82 | $422,356.70 |
| 57 | $7,000.00 | $583,525.44 | $452,417.38 |
| 58 | $7,000.00 | $631,372.22 | $484,119.37 |
| 59 | $7,000.00 | $682,568.28 | $517,552.29 |
| 60 | $7,000.00 | $737,348.05 | $552,810.64 |
| 61 | $7,000.00 | $795,962.42 | $589,994.10 |
| 62 | $7,000.00 | $858,679.79 | $629,207.78 |
| 63 | $7,000.00 | $925,787.37 | $670,562.52 |
| 64 | $7,000.00 | $997,592.49 | $714,175.24 |
| 65 | $7,000.00 | $1,074,423.96 | $760,169.21 |
How the Roth IRA calculator works
Each model year applies your return to the opening balance and adds the contribution at the end. Starting balance plus new deposits is shown separately from growth during the projection; it is not your actual Roth contribution basis. No deposits occur when the current and retirement ages are equal.
balance(next year) = balance × (1 + return) + contribution annual tax = max(0, taxable growth that year) × tax rate tax if sold = max(0, value − starting investment − deposits) × tax rate
The annual-tax scenario deducts tax from positive growth each year before adding the contribution. The sale scenario assumes no taxable distributions or sales during growth, and treats the full starting investment and later deposits as cost basis. Each table row shows the net value if sold at that age; the displayed tax is not deducted repeatedly from later rows. Neither scenario gives tax relief for losses. Both exclude state-specific rules, changing tax rates, fees and inflation.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I contribute to a Roth IRA in 2026?
The combined traditional and Roth IRA limit for 2026 is $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older by year end, subject to compensation rules. Your Roth contribution may be reduced or eliminated by income and filing status. The projection repeats your chosen contribution; it does not determine eligibility or future limits.
How is Roth IRA growth calculated?
The balance grows at your assumed annual return, then the contribution is added at year end. Qualified Roth IRA distributions are tax-free, generally after the five-tax-year requirement and age 59½, with other qualifying circumstances. This tool projects the account balance; it does not check withdrawal eligibility.
What does the taxable account comparison mean?
Choose tax on all positive growth each year, or tax on positive gains only if sold at the projection date. Both use the same starting investment, contributions and return. Actual tax depends on distributions, realized gains, holding periods and other rules; the gap is a scenario difference, not an estimate of your tax savings.
Does the calculator adjust for inflation?
No. Results are future dollars using a constant nominal return. The 7% default is an illustrative input, not a forecast or recommendation. Try different assumptions, including losses; actual investment returns vary and fees are excluded.
Are Roth IRA contributions tax-deductible?
Roth IRA contributions are not deductible. A traditional IRA contribution may be deductible, depending on income, filing status and workplace retirement-plan coverage. This tool compares Roth growth with simplified taxable investing, not with a traditional IRA.
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Sources and updates
Methods and figures reviewed on . Provider rates and terms can change; check the linked source and your own account terms.
- IRS, 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026; IRA limit rises to $7,500 (Notice 2025-67)
- IRS Publication 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements
- IRS, IRA contribution limits
- IRS Publication 590-B, Roth IRA distributions
This calculator gives estimates for information only and is not tax, legal or financial advice. Actual outcomes depend on the assumptions, timing, taxes, fees and terms that apply to you. See how we calculate.