Roth IRA Calculator

Project Roth IRA growth with tax-free withdrawals from current balance, annual contributions, catch-up limits, and expected returns.

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Roth IRA growth projector Project tax-free Roth IRA growth from current savings, annual contributions, and expected returns.
Age & timeline
Balances & contributions

2026 IRS cap: 7,500 under 50 and 8,600 for age 50+, based on US Roth IRA rules. Contributions are capped to IRS limits in the projection.

Growth & comparison

Display currency

Roth IRA rules are US-specific, but you can still switch the display currency for planning comparisons.

Result

$1,245,693.62

Projected Roth IRA balance at age 65 after 35 years of tax-free growth.

Total contributions
$279,000.00
Total growth (tax-free)
$956,693.62
Effective growth rate
331.04%
Years to retirement
35

Taxable account comparison

A taxable account at 22% annual tax on gains would reach $876,501.97. The Roth IRA tax advantage saves you an estimated $369,191.65.

How to use this result

This projection assumes a constant annual return and does not account for market volatility, inflation, or income phase-out limits. Use it as a planning baseline, then consult a financial adviser for personalised guidance.

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Retirement Planning

Roth IRA contributions, tax-free growth, and retirement projections

A Roth IRA calculator projects how after-tax contributions grow tax-free over time, showing the balance at retirement, total investment growth, and the advantage compared with a taxable brokerage account. It helps you see whether current contributions and expected returns are on track for your retirement target.

How a Roth IRA works

A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account funded with after-tax dollars. Unlike a traditional IRA, contributions are not tax-deductible, but qualifying withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. This makes it especially valuable for people who expect their tax rate to be the same or higher in retirement.

The account grows through compound returns on contributions and reinvested earnings. Because qualified withdrawals are not taxed, the full balance is available for spending in retirement, which simplifies income planning.

Contribution limits and catch-up rules

The IRS sets annual contribution limits for Roth IRAs. For 2026, the limit is $7,500 for participants under age 50 and $8,600 for those aged 50 and older, thanks to a $1,100 catch-up provision. These limits apply across all traditional and Roth IRA accounts combined.

There are also income-based phase-out ranges that may reduce or eliminate Roth IRA eligibility for high earners. This calculator focuses on contribution-level projections and does not model income phase-outs.

FV = Balance x (1 + r)^n + C x [((1 + r)^n - 1) / r]

Projects the future value of a Roth IRA from a starting balance, annual contribution (C), annual return (r), and years to retirement (n).

Tax savings = Roth balance - Taxable balance

Compares the Roth IRA ending balance with an equivalent taxable account where annual gains are taxed at the specified rate, showing the cumulative tax-free growth advantage.

Limitations of this projection

This calculator assumes a constant annual rate of return and does not model market volatility, inflation, or sequence-of-returns risk. Actual investment performance varies year to year. The taxable account comparison assumes gains are taxed annually, which is a simplification since capital gains tax timing depends on when assets are sold.

Income-based eligibility limits, early withdrawal penalties, and the five-year rule for Roth conversions are not modelled. Use this projection as a planning baseline and consult a financial adviser for personalised guidance.

Worked example: 30-year-old contributing the annual cap

Suppose a saver is 30, already has 10,000 invested, contributes the full annual Roth IRA limit every year, and expects a 7% long-term return until age 65. The calculator compounds both the starting balance and each future contribution to estimate the tax-free balance at retirement.

Because the model also compares the Roth with a taxable account, it shows not just the final balance but the planning value of tax-free growth over time. That comparison is especially useful when weighing whether to prioritise a Roth IRA after capturing an employer match in a workplace retirement plan.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA?

A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax money and grows tax-free, so qualifying withdrawals in retirement are not taxed. A traditional IRA may offer a tax deduction on contributions, but withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. The best choice depends on whether you expect to be in a higher or lower tax bracket in retirement.

 Can I contribute to a Roth IRA if I already have a 401(k)?

Yes. A Roth IRA is separate from an employer-sponsored 401(k). You can contribute to both, subject to each account's contribution limits and income eligibility rules for the Roth IRA.

 What happens if I withdraw from a Roth IRA before age 59 and a half?

You can withdraw your contributions at any time without tax or penalty. However, withdrawing earnings before age 59 and a half may trigger income tax and a 10% early withdrawal penalty unless an exception applies, such as a first home purchase or disability.

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