Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator
Enter your contribution, current and expected retirement tax rate, and years to retirement. Compare the after-tax value of a Roth contribution (after-tax in) vs traditional (tax deduction now, tax on withdrawal later).
Roth vs Traditional
How it works
Roth: you contribute after-tax; growth is tax-free. Traditional: you get a deduction now; you pay tax on withdrawal. We model growth and tax to show which may leave more after tax, depending on rates.
When to use it
Use it to decide between Roth and traditional when both are available, or to see how a change in tax rate affects the comparison.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't know my future tax rate?
Use your best guess. If rates are similar, Roth and traditional can be close; Roth is often favored if you expect higher rates later.
Contribution limits?
Same limit applies to combined Roth and traditional IRA contributions. Check IRS rules.