Roth conversion calculator
Model a Roth conversion vs waiting. Adjust tax rates, payment source, and time horizon to compare outcomes. What-if tool for planning.
Compare paying tax now on a conversion vs keeping money in a pre-tax IRA.
Your Roth estimate
Your Roth is one piece of your retirement plan
You are here. Five more steps bring every piece together to answer the bigger question: will your money last as long as you do?
Your Roth is one piece of your retirement plan
Your RothPieces still to add
- IRA balance
- Conversion amount
- Years to withdrawal
Your retirement plan will also answer
- When can I and my spouse retire?
- How much should I save?
- When should I claim Social Security?
- Should I do Roth conversions?
- How much can I safely withdraw?
- Should I pay off debt first?
- Would my plan weather market ups and downs?
How it works · Your path to a full Finance plan
Roth
You are hereProjected $120K
Income
Current income plus Social Security, pensions and annuities
Expenses
Day-to-day living, healthcare premiums and planned future costs
Assets
Homes, properties, investments and savings
Non-mortgage debts
Car loans, credit cards and other balances
Annual savings and review
Confirm yearly savings, then see your full plan
Interpretation
Understand your results
Planning context for the estimates above. Not tax, legal, or investment advice.
Interpretation
Understand your results
Planning context for the estimates above. Not tax, legal, or investment advice.
Converting $50,000 now at 22% federal costs $11,000 in tax today. If future rates reach 25%, converting now comes out ahead by $9,420.
Spreading conversions over low-income years is often the optimal strategy — this model compares one conversion amount only.
Methodology
How this calculator works
The rules and math behind this estimate.
Methodology
How this calculator works
The rules and math behind this estimate.
The comparison is only the amount you choose to convert. The "convert" path moves that slice into a Roth account (net of tax if you pay from the conversion, or the full slice if you pay from outside funds). Those dollars are not also left in the traditional IRA.
The "no convert" path keeps that same slice in a Traditional IRA growing at the same rate. At withdrawal, the future tax rate is applied. Outside money used for taxes stays invested only on this path. The after-tax values at the end of the horizon are compared.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to common questions about this calculator.
Should I convert my IRA to Roth?
It can make sense if you pay tax now at a lower rate than you expect later, or you want tax-free withdrawals and less forced withdrawals later. It may not make sense if it pushes you into a much higher tax bracket.
How much tax will I owe?
The amount you convert is usually added to your taxable income that year and taxed at your normal rates.
Can conversion raise Medicare costs?
Yes. Very high income can raise Medicare Part B and D premiums two years later. This tool flags that so you can plan smaller conversions.
Should I pay tax from savings outside the IRA?
Often yes — paying tax from a non-retirement account lets more money stay in the Roth growing tax-free.
Retirement is more than your money
Your retirement plan is one of five pillars Retirelens helps you plan.
Finance
Know where you stand and what to do next with your money.
Health
Stay on top of coverage, care and habits that keep you well.
Purpose
Shape days you look forward to, with steps to get there.
Connections
Strengthen relationships and build a support circle.
Legacy
Organize what matters and document so your family isn't left guessing.