Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator
See which IRA wins for your current and future tax brackets.
Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator — Which Wins for You?
Roth or Traditional IRA? The wrong choice can cost you tens of thousands of dollars at retirement. This calculator compares both based on your current and projected future tax brackets, contribution amount, return rate, and time horizon — so you pick the winner with confidence.
How to use this tool
- 1
Enter your annual contribution
2024 IRA limit: $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+).
- 2
Set years until retirement
The longer the horizon, the bigger the Roth advantage typically.
- 3
Enter current and retirement tax brackets
Higher now vs lower later? Traditional wins. Lower now vs higher later? Roth wins.
- 4
Compare net values
After-tax balance at retirement for each option.
Pro tips
- Roth IRA contributions can be withdrawn anytime tax-free (not earnings). Great backup emergency fund.
- Roth has no Required Minimum Distributions — you can leave it growing forever.
- Income limits: Roth IRA phases out above $146K single / $230K married (2024). Use backdoor Roth above those.
Frequently asked questions
Roth vs Traditional — what's the difference?
Traditional: deduct contributions now, pay tax on withdrawals. Roth: pay tax on contributions now, withdraw tax-free in retirement.
Can I have both?
Yes — you can split your $7,000 annual limit between Roth and Traditional IRAs in any ratio.
What's a backdoor Roth?
If your income is too high for Roth, contribute to a Traditional IRA (non-deductible), then convert to Roth. Watch the pro-rata rule.
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