Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator
A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars and grows tax-free; a traditional IRA is funded pre-tax and taxed on withdrawal. The math that decides which wins: is your tax rate now higher or lower than at retirement? Enter your contribution, rate, and tax rates — the calculator shows the after-tax outcome of both.
Results (after-tax, before inflation)
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The contribution limit for IRAs is $7,500 for 2026 (IRS, ages 50+ catch-up $8,600). This tool assumes the same after-tax cost for both accounts: the Roth contribution is taxed now, the traditional is taxed at withdrawal. Figures are nominal (before inflation) — real markets fluctuate.
Education, not advice: This tool is for education only and is not personalized financial advice. Tax rules are complex and individual — verify current limits and your own rates at irs.gov. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.