Decision Center

Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA Calculator

Pay taxes now or pay them later.

Traditional IRAs give you a deduction today and tax the withdrawal later. Roth IRAs skip the deduction but let the growth come out tax-free.

Option A

Roth IRA Calculator

Projects tax-free growth on after-tax contributions.

Young earnersLow current tax bracketLong horizons

Typical user: Someone expecting a higher tax rate in retirement than today.

Option B

Projects pre-tax growth with taxes owed on withdrawal.

High earners todayPeak-earning yearsThose expecting a lower bracket later

Typical user: Someone in a higher tax bracket now than they'll be in retirement.

Expect higher taxes later? Choose Roth. Higher taxes now? Traditional wins. If unsure, split contributions.

401(k) balance at retirement with employer match.

Years to recoup the tax cost of a Traditional-to-Roth IRA conversion.

Multi-year Required Minimum Distribution schedule using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.