What contribution amount does this calculator assume?

A single $7,500 contribution (the 2026 IRA contribution limit), growing at a 7% average annual return until your chosen retirement horizon.

Can I contribute to both a Roth and Traditional IRA?

Yes — you can split contributions between both in the same tax year, as long as the combined total doesn't exceed the annual limit. This is a common hedge when you're unsure which way your future tax rate will move.

Investing

Roth vs Traditional IRA Calculator

Set your current tax rate, your expected tax rate in retirement, and your time horizon. The calculator compares the spendable retirement value of a $7,500 contribution to a Roth IRA versus a Traditional IRA.

Interactive · set your situation

Which account likely wins for you

Tax rate today22%

Tax rate in retirement15%

Years until retirement

The Traditional IRA wins — by about $2,849 in spendable retirement money.

Roth IRA — spendable in retirement$31,750

Traditional IRA — spendable in retirement$34,600

Your tax rate is higher now than in retirement, so taking the deduction today (Traditional) and paying the lower rate later comes out ahead. Assumes $7,500 contributed once at 7% annual growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends entirely on whether your tax rate today is higher or lower than your tax rate will be in retirement. If your rate today is lower, a Roth usually wins. If it's higher today, a Traditional IRA usually wins. If they're about equal, the two accounts are mathematically identical.

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