How to Use the Roth IRA Growth Calculator
Enter your current Roth IRA balance, monthly contribution, expected annual return, years until retirement, and tax bracket. The calculator shows your projected balance, total contributions, investment growth, and a Roth vs Traditional comparison.
The Roth IRA is unique because contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but all withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free — including all the growth!
Roth IRA Formula & Methodology
Future Value = P × (1 + r)^n + PMT × [((1 + r)^n − 1) / r]
Where P = current balance, PMT = monthly contribution, r = monthly return rate, n = months. The Roth advantage is calculated by comparing after-tax withdrawals from a Roth IRA (tax-free) vs a Traditional IRA (taxed at your current rate).
2026 Roth IRA Contribution Limits
- Under 50: $7,000/year
- Age 50+: $8,000/year (includes $1,000 catch-up)
- Income limits for direct contributions: Single MAGI under $161,000 (phase-out starts at $146,000), Married filing jointly under $240,000 (phase-out starts at $230,000)
- Backdoor Roth IRA strategy available for high earners — contribute to Traditional IRA then convert to Roth
Why a Roth IRA is Powerful
- Tax-free growth: All investment gains grow tax-free — no capital gains tax, no dividend tax, no tax on withdrawals
- Tax-free withdrawals: In retirement, every dollar you withdraw is completely tax-free
- No RMDs: Unlike Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs have no Required Minimum Distributions
- Flexibility: You can withdraw contributions (not earnings) at any time without penalty
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: Which is Better?
Roth IRA is better if: You expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, you want tax-free income, you want to avoid RMDs, or you're early in your career (lower tax bracket now).
Traditional IRA is better if: You need the tax deduction now (higher current tax bracket), you expect lower income in retirement, or you need to reduce your AGI for other tax benefits.
Related Tools
- Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator — Detailed comparison
- 401(k) Retirement Calculator — Employer-sponsored retirement
- Solo 401k Contribution Calculator — For self-employed
- Retirement Savings Calculator — Full retirement planning