Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA calculator (which is better?)

Compare Traditional vs Roth IRA outcomes with taxes, growth, and retirement income estimates. Explore which option may fit your scenario (not tax advice).

Your inputs

About this calculator

Compare two IRA types with the same contributions and returns — simplified tax view.

Your information

Enter your best estimates below.

Affects Roth income limits in the model.
How many years until retirement for growth.
When withdrawals are assumed to begin.
Household income — used for Roth eligibility.
Money already in the IRA.
Yearly amount you add (subject to IRS caps).

2026 limit: $7,500 / $8,600 (50+)

How we run the estimate

Change return, inflation, and tax rates below. Filing status, ages, and contributions stay in the panel above.

Expected average growth each year.
7.0%
Used to show results in today’s spending power.
3.0%
Federal rate on the tax break from Traditional contributions.
Federal rate when Traditional money comes out.
Contribution caps
2026 IRS limits with catch-up contributions after age 50
Years used for income estimate
Through age 90
Roth eligibility
Income limits for single filers are applied in the model
How the account grows
Return applied once per year, then your annual contribution is added
Traditional tax savings
Tax savings from Traditional contributions are reinvested at the same return you chose
Roth withdrawals in the model
Qualified withdrawals are not taxed

Your results

Traditional IRA leads

What it means

The Traditional IRA side shows more after-tax money at retirement in this comparison.

How we chose it

Same comparison. This tag names whichever account type has the higher after-tax balance at retirement.

Better after-tax value at retirement

Traditional IRA

Difference: $14,636 in future dollars ($6,030 in today's dollars).

Traditional (after-tax)

$799K

Roth IRA

$785K

Balance over time

  • Roth IRA
  • Traditional IRA
373941434547495153555759616365$0$200K$400K$600K$800K

Retirement value comparison

Traditional IRARoth IRA$0$200K$400K$600K$800K

Trad. sustainable income/yr

$20,818

Roth sustainable income/yr

$20,437

Beyond this calculator

IRA structure is one lever in your tax strategy

This side-by-side uses simplified federal assumptions for one IRA. A complete Retirelens plan also balances:

  • State income taxes and Medicare income-related premiums
  • Employer plans and taxable investments alongside the IRA
  • Splitting contributions between account types over time
  • Heirs, estate goals, and how account balances pass to beneficiaries

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Interpretation

What this means

Planning context for the estimates above. Not tax, legal, or investment advice.

Based on your 22% current rate vs 18% retirement rate, Traditional IRA produces $14,636 more in after-tax retirement wealth. In today's purchasing power, that's $6,030.

Your first-year tax savings from a Traditional contribution: $1,650. Your allowed Roth contribution at your income level: $7,500/yr.

Methodology

How this calculator works

The rules and math behind this estimate.

Traditional IRA: contributions grow pre-tax each year. At retirement, the balance is taxed at your retirement rate. Tax savings from deductions are assumed to be reinvested in a taxable account, growing at the same return.

Roth IRA: eligible contributions grow after-tax. No tax is applied at withdrawal. Roth contributions phase out based on your modified adjusted gross income and 2026 IRS limits.

Help

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to common questions about this calculator.

Traditional or Roth IRA — which is better?

If you expect higher taxes in retirement, Roth often helps. If you expect lower taxes later, Traditional may help more. Splitting between both reduces guesswork.

What are IRA limits?

IRS sets yearly caps that change over time. Check irs.gov or a tax pro for this year's limit and catch-up amounts if you're 50+.

Can high earners use a Roth?

Direct Roth contributions phase out at higher incomes. Some people use a backdoor Roth — ask a tax advisor if that fits you.

Do Roth IRAs have required withdrawals?

Not for the original owner during life. Traditional IRAs do have required withdrawals at certain ages. Inherited accounts have their own rules.

Your full retirement picture

Retirement is more than money

Free to startNo credit card required

A good retirement plan covers money, health, how you spend your time, people you care about, and what you pass on. That is how Retirelens looks at the full picture.

Finance

Know where you stand and what to do next with your money.

74% of planners reported satisfaction with retirement income vs. 43% of non-planners (Goldman Sachs)

Health

Secure solid coverage, stay ahead with preventive care and healthy habits a staple.

68% of adults ages 50–64 said they were concerned that federal policy changes could affect their health insurance coverage. (University of Michigan)

Purpose

Shape days you look forward to, with steps to get there.

Research shows that a stronger sense of purpose is associated with lower mortality risk among adults over age 50. (American Medical Association)

Connections

Strengthen relationships and build a support circle.

A longitudinal study of adults aged 65+ found that older adults with more diverse social networks had a lower risk of death and better cognitive and physical function than those with less diverse networks. (Chico Health Aging Project)

Legacy

Organize your assets and document so your family isn't left guessing.

Without a proper estate plan, more than half of families experience disputes or have assets end up under court control. (LegalShield)