Roth IRA Calculator

A free Roth IRA calculator helps you estimate how your contributions can grow tax-free over time. Enter your current age, annual contribution, and expected rate of return to see your projected balance at retirement. The results update instantly, so you can test different scenarios and find the contribution plan that fits your financial goals.

This calculator is an estimate. It does not replace personalized advice from a tax advisor or financial professional.

Roth IRA Calculator

Use the calculator above to project your Roth IRA savings. You only need a few inputs:

• Current age
• Retirement age
• Annual contribution (or monthly amount)
• Current Roth IRA balance (if any)
• Expected annual rate of return

The calculator shows your projected account balance at retirement. It assumes consistent contributions and a steady rate of return, which keeps the math simple but won't match real market swings year to year.

How the Roth IRA Calculator Estimates Your Roth IRA Savings

The Roth IRA calculator uses compound interest to project growth. Each year, your contributions and existing balance earn returns. Those returns then earn returns of their own. Over decades, this compounding effect is what drives most of your account balance at retirement.

Here is the basic logic:

1. Start with your current balance.
2. Add your annual contribution.
3. Apply your expected rate of return to the total.
4. Repeat for every year until your retirement age.

Because Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax dollars, the calculator does not subtract taxes from future withdrawals. That is the core advantage: future earnings are sheltered from taxes, so the number you see is closer to what you actually keep.

What happens if you put $7,000 per year in a Roth IRA? At a 7% annual rate of return, contributing $7,000 each year for 30 years could grow to roughly $662,000. Start 10 years earlier and the same contribution could reach over $1.4 million. Time matters more than any single deposit.

Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026

The IRS sets annual contribution limits for Roth IRAs. These limits change periodically based on inflation adjustments.

For 2025, the annual contribution limit is $7,000 if you are under 50. If you are 50 or older, you can contribute up to $8,000 thanks to a $1,000 catch-up allowance. The 2026 limits have not been officially announced yet, but this calculator will reflect the current IRS limits.

These limits apply to your total IRA contributions. That means contributions made to a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA combined cannot exceed the annual cap.

IRA Contribution Limits by Age and Income

Your ability to contribute to a Roth IRA depends on two things: your age and your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).

If your income falls within the phase-out range, you can still contribute, but the IRS reduces the maximum amount. Above the upper limit, direct Roth IRA contributions are not allowed (though a backdoor Roth conversion may be an option).

How much can you contribute toward a traditional or Roth IRA? The same $7,000 / $8,000 limit applies across both account types combined. You can split contributions however you like, but the total cannot exceed the annual cap.

Roth IRA and Tax-Free Retirement Savings

A Roth IRA is a retirement account funded with after-tax dollars. You pay taxes on the money before it goes in. In return, qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free, including all the growth.

This makes a Roth IRA especially valuable if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket later in life. It also gives retirees flexibility because Roth IRAs have no required minimum distributions during the owner's lifetime.

How Tax-Free Growth Works in Your Roth IRA

Tax-free growth means the IRS does not tax your investment gains, dividends, or interest while the money stays in the account. When you withdraw after age 59½ (and the account has been open at least five years), those earnings may be withdrawn tax-free.

Compare that to a taxable brokerage account, where you owe taxes on gains every year. Over 20 or 30 years, the difference in your retirement savings can be substantial.

How much does a Roth IRA grow in 10 years? That depends on your contributions and rate of return. Contributing $7,000 per year at a 7% return would produce roughly $96,700 after 10 years. A Roth IRA can provide truly tax-free growth on every dollar of that balance.

Looking for a way to calculate your tax-free growth before making a commitment? That is exactly what this calculator does. Adjust the inputs above to compare different contribution levels and timelines.

Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator

Deciding between a Roth and traditional IRA comes down to when you want to pay taxes. A Roth IRA uses after-tax dollars now for tax-free withdrawals later. A traditional IRA may give you a tax deduction now, but withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income.

This Roth IRA calculator focuses on Roth projections. If you want to compare both side by side, use the inputs here to model one scenario, then adjust for the traditional IRA differences described below.

Traditional IRA Calculator: Key Differences

A traditional IRA calculator works similarly but accounts for tax-deferred growth instead of tax-free growth. Here are the main differences:

• Contributions: Traditional IRA contributions may be tax-deductible depending on your income and whether you have a workplace retirement plan. Roth IRA contributions are never deductible.
• Withdrawals: Traditional IRA distributions are taxed as income. Roth IRA qualified distributions are tax-free.
• Required minimum distributions: Traditional IRAs require withdrawals starting at age 73. Roth IRAs do not.
• Income limits: Traditional IRAs have no income limit for contributions (only for deductibility). Roth IRAs have income limits that restrict or eliminate contributions at higher incomes.

Roth vs Traditional IRA Contribution and Tax Deduction Comparison

If you expect your tax bracket to stay the same or rise, a Roth IRA often makes more sense. If you need a tax deduction today and expect lower taxes in retirement, a traditional IRA may be the better choice.

IRA Calculator Inputs: What This Calculator Needs

Every IRA calculator needs a few key numbers to produce a useful projection. Here is what each input means and why it matters.

Adjusted Gross Income and IRA Contribution

Your adjusted gross income (AGI) determines how much you can contribute to a Roth IRA. Specifically, the IRS uses your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) to check eligibility.

• If your MAGI is below the phase-out floor, you can contribute the full annual amount.
• If your MAGI falls within the phase-out range, your limit is reduced.
• If your MAGI exceeds the ceiling, you cannot make direct Roth contributions.

Enter your annual contribution based on what you plan to invest each year. The calculator applies this amount consistently across your entire investment timeline.

Wondering how much to put in a Roth IRA per month? Divide the annual limit by 12. For a $7,000 annual contribution, that is about $583 per month. For the $8,000 catch-up limit, it is roughly $667 per month.

Expected Rate of Return and Investment Timeline

The expected rate of return is the average annual growth rate you assume for your investments. Common benchmarks:

• Conservative (bonds, stable value): 4% to 5%
• Moderate (balanced funds): 6% to 7%
• Aggressive (stock-heavy, mutual funds): 8% to 10%

No rate of return is guaranteed. Historical stock market averages hover around 7% to 10% before inflation, but past performance does not predict future results.

Your investment timeline is simply the number of years between your current age and your target retirement age. A longer timeline gives compound growth more room to work.

Roth IRA Savings by Retirement Age

The table below shows estimated Roth IRA balances at retirement age 65, assuming a $7,000 annual contribution and a 7% annual rate of return with no starting balance.

These are estimates based on consistent contributions and a steady return. Real results will vary with market conditions and actual contribution amounts.

What happens if I put $2,000 in a Roth IRA? A $2,000 annual contribution at 7% for 30 years could grow to roughly $189,000. Smaller contributions still benefit from compound tax-free growth, especially with a long timeline.

Roth IRA Contribution Limits and Income Phase-Outs

The IRS limits who can contribute to a Roth IRA based on income. These phase-out ranges change each year.

If your income exceeds the limit, you have a few options:

• Backdoor Roth: Contribute to a non-deductible traditional IRA, then convert to a Roth. This is legal under current tax laws, but consult a tax advisor about potential tax consequences.
• Contribute to a traditional IRA instead: There is no income limit for traditional IRA contributions (though the tax deduction may be limited).
• Use employer retirement accounts: 401(k) plans have much higher contribution limits and no income restriction for participation.

IRS Income Limits and Tax Bracket Considerations

Your current tax bracket and expected future tax bracket should influence which IRA type you choose.

If you are in a lower tax bracket now and expect to earn more later, paying taxes today through Roth contributions locks in the lower rate. If you are at peak earning years and expect lower taxable income in retirement, a traditional IRA tax deduction may save you more overall.

The calculator does not model your specific tax situation. For tax planning that accounts for tax brackets, deductions, and other retirement accounts, consult a tax advisor or attorney.

Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA: Which IRA Calculator Should You Use

Use this Roth IRA calculator if:

• You want to estimate tax-free retirement savings
• You contribute (or plan to contribute) with after-tax dollars
• You want to see how compound growth affects your balance at retirement

Use a traditional IRA calculator if:

• You want to estimate tax-deferred growth
• You need to factor in a tax deduction on contributions
• You want to project taxes owed on withdrawals in retirement

Many people hold both traditional and Roth IRAs. Running projections on each helps you see how splitting contributions affects your total retirement savings. The right choice depends on your income, current tax bracket, and expected retirement tax situation.

What This Roth IRA Calculator Does Not Cover

This calculator provides estimates, not guarantees. Here is what it does not account for:

• Market volatility. The calculator uses a fixed annual rate of return. Real investments fluctuate year to year.
• Inflation. The projected balance is in future dollars. Purchasing power will be lower than today's equivalent.
• Tax law changes. Current tax laws govern Roth IRA rules, but Congress can change contribution limits, income thresholds, or tax treatment.
• Early withdrawal penalties. Withdrawing earnings before age 59½ (or before the account is five years old) may trigger taxes and a 10% penalty.
• State taxes. Most states follow federal rules on Roth IRA distributions, but not all.
• Personalized advice. This tool does not consider your full financial picture, including other retirement accounts, Social Security, or personal finance goals.

For investment or tax advice tailored to your situation, consult a qualified financial professional or tax advisor. This free Roth IRA calculator is a starting point for planning, not a substitute for professional guidance.