Traditional vs. Roth IRA Calculator
Compare after-tax retirement value: Traditional vs. Roth.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
- Traditional IRA (pre-tax growth)
- $613,995.11
- Traditional after-tax value at withdrawal
- $503,475.99
- Roth IRA after-tax value (tax-free withdrawal)
- $478,916.19
- Better choice
- Traditional IRA
Quick answer
If your tax rate is the same now and in retirement, Traditional and Roth produce identical after-tax outcomes; a Roth wins if your future tax rate is higher, and Traditional wins if it's lower.
Traditional after-tax FV = balance x (1 - future tax rate); Roth FV = balance already after-tax
How to use the Traditional vs. Roth IRA Calculator
- 1Enter your annual contribution, years until retirement and assumed return.
- 2Enter your current tax rate and your expected tax rate in retirement.
- 3For a fair comparison, assume the same equivalent out-of-pocket cost for both.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Annual contribution6500 $
- Years until retirement30 years
- Assumed annual return7 %
- Current marginal tax rate22 %
- Expected retirement tax rate18 %
Results
- Traditional IRA (pre-tax growth)$613,995.11
- Traditional after-tax value at withdrawal$503,475.99
- Roth IRA after-tax value (tax-free withdrawal)$478,916.19
- Better choiceTraditional IRA
Frequently asked questions
Why does the tax rate assumption matter so much?
Traditional accounts defer tax to withdrawal, while Roth accounts pay tax upfront — whichever rate is lower determines which account nets more.
Can I contribute to both?
Yes, subject to combined annual IRA contribution limits set by the IRS.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.