Roth IRA Calculator
Project the tax-free growth of your Roth IRA contributions until retirement. Free, privacy-first — inputs never leave your browser.
Details
Result
Tax-Free at Retirement
$1,509,175
Total Contributed
$254,860
Investment Gains
$1,254,315
For estimation only. Not professional financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making decisions. Full disclaimer.
Why Roth IRA is often the best retirement account
Contributions are after-tax, but qualified withdrawals in retirement are 100% tax-free — including all investment gains. No required minimum distributions during your lifetime. Contribute at 25, grow for 40 years at 8% = $7,000/yr becomes $1.8M tax-free. See IRS guidance on Roth IRAs.
2026 limits
- Contribution limit: $7,000 ($8,000 if age 50+)
- Income phase-out: Single $150k–$165k, MFJ $236k–$246k
- Beyond limit? Use a Backdoor Roth (after-tax → Traditional → convert to Roth)
Common questions about Roth IRA
What is the 2026 Roth IRA contribution limit?+
Projected $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+). Income phase-out: Single $150k-$165k, MFJ $236k-$246k. Above the upper limit = no direct Roth contribution (use Backdoor Roth).
Why is Roth IRA considered superior for young investors?+
You pay tax at today's (probably lower) rate, then the account grows 30-40 years completely tax-free. No RMDs during your lifetime. Excellent estate-planning tool.
Can I withdraw from my Roth IRA before retirement?+
Contributions (not earnings) can be withdrawn anytime, tax and penalty-free. Earnings withdrawn before age 59½ AND before 5 years from your first Roth contribution trigger 10% penalty + income tax on the earnings portion. Exceptions waiving the 10% penalty: first-time home purchase (up to $10k lifetime), qualified education expenses, unreimbursed medical, disability, birth/adoption expenses. Roth IRA doubles as an emergency backup — more flexible than 401(k).
What is a Backdoor Roth IRA?+
For high earners above the Roth IRA income limit ($165k single / $246k MFJ for 2026): contribute to a Traditional IRA ($7,000), then immediately convert to Roth IRA. The conversion is taxable to the extent of pre-tax Traditional IRA balances — so works best when you have zero or minimal pre-tax Traditional IRA money (pro-rata rule). Mega Backdoor Roth: after-tax 401(k) contributions above $23,500 limit, converted to Roth, allowing up to $70k/year combined. Check plan rules — not all 401(k)s support it.
Roth IRA vs Roth 401(k) — which should I prioritize?+
Get employer 401(k) match first (free money). Then: Roth IRA (more investment choices, lower fees, more flexible withdrawals) up to the $7,000 limit. Then: Roth 401(k) up to $23,500. If income exceeds Roth IRA phase-out, use Backdoor Roth IRA + Roth 401(k). At very high incomes, prioritize Traditional 401(k) for the current tax deduction, then Roth conversions in low-income years (sabbatical, early retirement).
Can my spouse contribute to a Roth IRA without income?+
Yes — Spousal Roth IRA. If one spouse has earned income sufficient to cover both contributions and you file jointly, the non-earning spouse can contribute up to $7,000 ($8,000 if 50+) to their own Roth IRA. Combined household limit: $14,000 ($16,000 if both 50+). Income phase-out for the non-earning spouse still applies at the MFJ limit ($236k-$246k). Great way to double household retirement savings for single-earner families.