Roth IRA Calculator
See how your Roth IRA grows tax-free.
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Result
What is a Roth IRA Calculator?
A Roth IRA Calculator shows how your tax-free retirement savings could grow over time. Enter your current balance, annual contribution, expected return rate, and years until retirement to see your projected tax-free balance at retirement.
How to calculate Roth IRA growth manually (the formula)
The future value formula for a Roth IRA with annual contributions is: FV = PV × (1 + r)t + C × [ (1 + r)t – 1 ] / r where PV is the current balance, C is the annual contribution, r is the expected annual return rate, and t is the number of years until retirement.
Example calculation
If you are 30 with $15,000 in a Roth IRA, contribute the maximum $7,000 per year, and earn 7% annually: by age 65 you would have about $1,060,000. Your total contributions would be $260,000, and the remaining $800,000 would be tax-free growth.
Common mistakes
- Earning too much to contribute directly — Income limits apply. In 2026, single filers earning over $150,000 cannot contribute directly, but a backdoor Roth IRA conversion may still be available.
- Not contributing the maximum — The $7,000 annual limit is relatively small. Maxing it out each year gives the most tax-free growth potential.
- Withdrawing earnings too early — Earnings withdrawn before age 59½ may be taxed and penalized. Keep your Roth IRA untouched for maximum benefit.
- Forgetting that contributions can be withdrawn anytime — You can withdraw your contributions (not earnings) at any time without taxes or penalties, making the Roth IRA flexible in an emergency.
- Not diversifying investments within the Roth IRA — A Roth IRA is a type of account, not an investment. Choose a mix of stocks, bonds, and funds that match your risk tolerance.
Frequently asked questions
How does a Roth IRA calculator work?
A Roth IRA calculator projects the tax-free growth of your retirement account. It takes your current balance, annual contribution, expected return rate, and years until retirement to estimate your future balance.
What is the difference between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA?
Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax dollars, so withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. Traditional IRA contributions are tax-deductible now, but withdrawals are taxed as income in retirement.
How much can I contribute to a Roth IRA?
In 2026, the contribution limit is $7,000 per year ($8,000 if age 50 or older). However, your ability to contribute phases out at higher income levels, starting at $150,000 for single filers.
Can I withdraw from my Roth IRA before retirement?
You can withdraw your contributions at any time, tax-free and penalty-free. Earnings withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to taxes and penalties unless for a qualified exception.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes, completely free with no sign-up required. Use it as many times as you like.