IRA Calculator
Compare expected retirement balances across a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA and a regular taxable brokerage account given the same contributions and returns.
How to use the IRA Calculator
- Enter your inputs into the IRA Calculator above.
- Results update instantly as you type — no submit button needed.
- Adjust any value to see how the result changes in real time.
The IRA comparison math
Traditional FV(after-tax) = FV × (1 − tax rate) · · · Roth FV = FV (all after-tax) · · · Taxable FV ≈ FV minus tax drag
Same gross growth, different tax treatment. Traditional is taxed on withdrawal. Roth contributions are post-tax but withdrawals are tax-free. Taxable accounts pay tax on dividends and gains as they occur.
Worked example
$7,000/year for 30 years at 7% return: gross FV ≈ $660,000. Traditional with 22% retirement tax: $515,000 net. Roth: $660,000 net. Taxable at 1% annual drag: about $560,000 net. Roth wins here because the tax rate today and in retirement are assumed equal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have both a Roth and Traditional IRA?
Yes, but the contribution limit is combined ($7,000 / $8,000 total for 2026). Many savers split contributions for tax diversification.
Are Traditional IRA contributions always deductible?
Only if you (or your spouse) are not covered by an employer retirement plan, or if your income is below specific limits. Otherwise the contribution still grows tax-deferred but provides no current-year deduction.
What is a backdoor Roth?
High earners blocked from direct Roth contributions can contribute non-deductibly to a Traditional IRA and immediately convert to Roth. The pro rata rule complicates this if you have existing pre-tax IRA balances.