⚖️

Traditional vs Roth IRA Calculator

Compare projected retirement balances and after-tax income for Traditional vs Roth IRA contributions based on your current and expected tax brackets.

FINANCE

Compare projected retirement balances and after-tax income for Traditional vs Roth IRA contributions based on your current and expected tax brackets.

Detailed instructions, formula notes, and US-context guidance shown in the calculator above.

Disclaimer: Estimate only. Consult a qualified professional for decisions with major financial, legal, or health consequences.

Traditional vs Roth IRA Calculator

Compare after-tax retirement income for the same out-of-pocket cost. Roth wins when future tax bracket ≥ today's; Traditional wins when future is lower.

Roth After-Tax FV (same out-of-pocket)
$40,497
Roth effective contribution (after tax)$5,320/yr
Traditional FV (pre-tax)$53,286
Traditional FV after-tax$41,563
Traditional wins by$1,066

2026 IRA limit: $7,500 ($8,500 if 50+). Roth has income limits (~$165K single / $246K MFJ phase-out). Traditional has full deduction limits if covered by workplace plan. Many savers split between both.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Traditional vs Roth IRA Calculator for?
Compare projected retirement balances and after-tax income for Traditional vs Roth IRA contributions based on your current and expected tax brackets.
How do I use the Traditional vs Roth IRA Calculator?
Detailed instructions, formula notes, and US-context guidance shown in the calculator above.
How accurate are my traditional vs roth ira results?
Estimate only. Consult a qualified professional for decisions with major financial, legal, or health consequences.
Is the Traditional vs Roth IRA Calculator free to use?
Yes - every calculator on WhichCalc is completely free with no signup, no usage limits, and no tracking on the calculation itself. Results display instantly in your browser and your inputs are never sent to a server. Bookmark the page if you use this calculator regularly.