See how much a Roth IRA could grow to by retirement, tax free. The calculator checks your 2026 limit against the income rules and shows whether a Roth or a traditional IRA leaves you with more after tax.
Uses the 2026 IRS limits: $7,500 a year, or $8,600 from age 50, with income limits.
Your yearly contributions only. Same money out of your paycheck. A traditional IRA saves tax now, which we assume you invest too, then you pay tax on withdrawals.
Roth IRA limits for 2026
- Contribution limit: $7,500, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older
- Single filers: the limit shrinks between $153,000 and $168,000 of income and reaches zero above that
- Married filing jointly: it shrinks between $242,000 and $252,000
- Married filing separately: it shrinks between $0 and $10,000
- Deadline: you can contribute for 2026 until the tax filing deadline in April 2027
The limit is shared across all your IRAs, Roth and traditional together. You also need earned income at least equal to what you put in.
Why a Roth IRA is so powerful
You pay tax on the money before it goes in, and then the growth is never taxed again. In the example above, someone adding $7,500 a year from age 30 could have over $1 million by 65, and most of that is growth they never pay tax on. You can also take out your own contributions (not the growth) at any time without tax or penalty.
Roth vs traditional IRA
The question is really when you would rather pay tax. If your tax rate today is lower than it will be in retirement, the Roth usually wins. If you are in a high bracket now and expect a lower one later, a traditional IRA can come out ahead. The second part of the calculator runs this comparison with your own tax rates.
Income too high? The backdoor Roth
If you earn above the limit, you can contribute to a traditional IRA without taking a deduction and then convert it to a Roth. It is legal and widely used, but the pro-rata rule can make part of the conversion taxable if you hold other pre-tax IRA money. Talk to a tax professional before you do it.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I have a Roth IRA and a 401(k)?
Yes. The limits are separate. Many people get the full 401(k) match first, then fill a Roth IRA. See how your workplace plan grows with our 401(k) calculator.
What happens if I contribute too much?
Excess contributions face a 6% tax each year until you remove them or absorb them into a later year’s limit. Withdraw the extra and its earnings before your filing deadline to avoid it.
When can I take money out tax free?
Growth comes out tax free once you are 59 and a half and the account has been open at least five years. Contributions can come out any time.
This calculator gives an estimate for general information only. Not financial or tax advice.
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