Skip to content
¢CentCalc
Data effective: 2026 tax year · Last updated: 2026-07-16

Roth IRA Calculator

Project tax-free growth in a Roth IRA and see how contributions compound over decades.

2026 limit: $7,000 (<50) / $8,000 (50+)

Projected Balance at Retirement

$792,815

All tax-free withdrawals in retirement

Total Contributions

$220,000

Tax-Free Growth

$572,815

Year-by-Year Growth

YearBalanceContributionsGrowth
1$17,952$17,000$952
5$55,939$45,000$10,939
10$121,063$80,000$41,063
15$213,384$115,000$98,384
20$344,261$150,000$194,261
25$529,796$185,000$344,796
30$792,815$220,000$572,815
Growth Rate: 7%
Growth Share: 72.3%
Researched by CentCalc Financial Editorial TeamData: IRS 2026 contribution limits + MAGI phase-outs

How This Is Calculated

This calculator projects the future value of a Roth IRA using the compound interest formula with annual contributions. All growth and qualified withdrawals are completely tax-free.

Contribution limits (2026): $7,000 per year if under age 50, $8,000 per year if 50 or older (includes $1,000 catch-up). Contributions are limited to your earned income for the year.

Income limits: Roth IRA contributions phase out at higher incomes. For 2026, the phase-out begins at $146,000 MAGI for single filers and $230,000 for married filing jointly. Above these limits, you may use a "backdoor Roth" strategy.

Growth formula: The calculator uses A = P(1+r)^t + PMT × [((1+r)^t - 1) / r], where P is current balance, r is the annual return, t is years until retirement, and PMT is the annual contribution. The key advantage is that all earnings grow and are withdrawn tax-free.

Contribution limits: $7,000 (under 50) / $8,000 (50+) for 2026. Income phase-out: $146K-$161K (single), $230K-$240K (MFJ). Assumes tax-free growth and qualified withdrawals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA — which is better?
A Roth IRA uses after-tax contributions but offers tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement. A Traditional IRA uses pre-tax contributions (tax-deductible now) but withdrawals are taxed as income. Roth is generally better if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement.
When can I withdraw from a Roth IRA?
You can withdraw your contributions (not earnings) at any time, tax-free and penalty-free. To withdraw earnings tax-free, you must be 59½ or older AND have had the account for at least 5 years (the 5-year rule).
What are the Roth IRA contribution limits for 2026?
For 2026, the contribution limit is $7,000 if you are under age 50, and $8,000 if you are 50 or older (includes $1,000 catch-up contribution). Contributions are phased out at higher incomes.
Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and a Roth IRA?
Yes, you can contribute to both a 401(k) and a Roth IRA in the same year. The 401(k) limit ($23,000 in 2026) is separate from the IRA limit ($7,000 or $8,000 if 50+). Having both provides tax diversification.

Maximize your Roth IRA

Tax-free growth guides

Affiliate Disclosure:As an Amazon Associate, CentCalc earns from qualifying purchases. This means if you click an affiliate link and make a purchase on Amazon, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our free calculators. We only recommend products we believe are genuinely helpful.

📈

The Simple Path to Wealth (JL Collins)

Explains index fund investing in plain English — the vehicle that makes the 7% return in our calculator realistic for most people.

Check price on Amazon
🧠

The Psychology of Money (Morgan Housel)

The single best book on why most people underperform compounding. Short, practical, and shifts your mindset from "picking stocks" to "time in the market."

Check price on Amazon

Related Calculators

Retirement

Will you have enough? Project your retirement nest egg.

401(k)

Maximize employer match and project your 401(k) growth.

Compound

See how compound interest grows your savings over time.

★ ProComing soon

CentCalc Pro is coming — compare scenarios, export PDF, save history

  • Side-by-side scenarios
  • Export to PDF / CSV
  • Save calculation history
Join the waitlistBe first to know when it launches

Estimates only. Actual returns vary. Contribution limits and income thresholds may change. Consult a financial advisor or tax professional.