The Roth IRA Calculator estimates the balance of a Roth IRA at retirement and compares it with an ordinary taxable account. It is mainly intended for U.S. residents.
Your Roth IRA could reach $1,116,489.10 at age 65.
| Roth IRA balance at retirement | $1,116,489.10 |
| Taxable account balance | $778,750.18 |
| Roth advantage | $337,738.93 |
| Total principal (contributions + starting) | $292,500.00 |
| Total interest in the Roth IRA | $823,989.10 |
A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account funded with money you have already paid tax on. In return, the investments grow tax-free and qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. There are no required minimum distributions during the owner's lifetime, which makes it popular for leaving money to heirs.
For 2026 you can contribute up to $7,500 a year, or $8,600 from age 50, but never more than your earned income. Direct Roth contributions phase out at higher incomes; people above the limit often use a "backdoor" Roth conversion. Choosing "Yes" for maximize contributions uses the full limit every year including catch-up.
The Roth balance grows at the full expected return. The taxable account receives the same contributions, but its growth is taxed every year at your marginal rate, so it effectively grows at return × (1 − tax rate). The difference at retirement is the value of the Roth's tax-free growth.
Worked example (defaults): $30,000 now plus $7,500 a year for 35 years at 6%. The Roth grows to well over a million dollars, several hundred thousand more than the taxable account at a 25% tax rate.
A traditional IRA gives a deduction now and taxes withdrawals later; a Roth gives no deduction now but tax-free withdrawals. If your tax rate in retirement will be the same, both end up equal; a Roth wins if your rate later is higher. Roth contributions (not earnings) can be withdrawn any time without tax or penalty, adding flexibility.
Earnings are tax- and penalty-free once the account has been open five years and you are 59½, disabled, or using up to $10,000 for a first home. Earlier withdrawals of earnings may cost income tax plus a 10% penalty.
Can I have a Roth IRA and a 401(k)? Yes, both at once.
When is the deadline? Contributions for a year can be made until the tax filing deadline the following April.
Can I contribute for a non-working spouse? Yes, through a spousal IRA if you file jointly.