Roth vs. Traditional IRA Calculator
Which IRA wins given your current and expected retirement tax brackets?
Inputs
How it works
Monthly compounding · end-of-period contributions. Roth final = compounded contributions (tax-free). Traditional final × (1 − retirement tax rate). Assumes same gross contribution both sides.
Frequently asked questions
Is this guaranteed?
No — these are projections that assume your inputs hold. Real markets and life are variable.
What's the 4% safe-withdrawal rule?
The Trinity Study suggests withdrawing 4% of a balanced portfolio in year one and adjusting for inflation typically lasts 30+ years.
Should I max out my 401(k)?
At minimum, capture the full employer match — that's free money. Beyond that, balance against debt payoff and emergency reserves.
Roth vs. Traditional?
Roth wins if you'll be in a higher tax bracket in retirement; Traditional wins if you'll be in a lower bracket.
When should I start saving?
Immediately. The single biggest variable in retirement success is years of compounding.