Project your tax-free retirement savings with our Roth IRA Calculator. See how consistent contributions and compound growth can build a nest egg you won’t owe taxes on in retirement.
Why use a Roth IRA Calculator?
A Roth IRA offers powerful long-term benefits: tax-free growth and tax-free qualified withdrawals. But how much could your account be worth by the time you retire? Our Roth IRA Calculator helps you estimate your future balance based on your current age, planned retirement age, contribution strategy, expected return, and inflation assumptions. It also considers the annual contribution limits and the income-based phase-out rules that can reduce or eliminate your eligibility to contribute directly to a Roth IRA.
What this calculator estimates
- Years until retirement and the compounding opportunity you have left.
- Total contributions you’re likely to make under current IRS limits.
- Projected future value of your Roth IRA with contributions added at the beginning or end of each year.
- Inflation-adjusted balance to show your buying power in today’s dollars.
How Roth IRA limits and eligibility work
For 2024, the Roth IRA contribution limit is $7,000 if you are under age 50 and $8,000 if you are 50 or older, thanks to the catch-up provision. However, your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and tax filing status determine whether you can contribute the full amount, a reduced amount, or nothing at all. For example, singles and heads of household begin phasing out at $146,000 of MAGI and are fully phased out at $161,000. Married couples filing jointly phase out between $230,000 and $240,000, while those married filing separately face a much lower $0–$10,000 range.
Our Roth IRA Calculator applies these thresholds to your inputs to estimate the maximum allowed contribution each year. If your planned contribution exceeds the allowable amount, the calculator caps your contribution in the projection. While actual IRS limits can change over time, this tool uses the selected tax year’s rules for a straightforward estimate.
Tips for getting the most from your Roth IRA
- Start early: The more years your money compounds, the bigger the potential tax-free balance.
- Contribute regularly: Automate contributions to stay consistent and take advantage of market cycles.
- Consider contribution timing: Contributing at the beginning of the year allows more time in the market.
- Mind the limits: Check your eligibility each year based on MAGI and filing status.
- Revisit assumptions: Markets and inflation change. Update your expected return and inflation inputs periodically.
Understanding the results
Your results will show both a nominal future value and an inflation-adjusted balance. The nominal figure reflects your account’s potential dollar value in the future, while the inflation-adjusted figure translates that into today’s purchasing power. This context makes it easier to judge whether you’re on track for your retirement needs.
Assumptions and limitations
This Roth IRA Calculator uses a simplified approach. It assumes a constant average annual return, consistent inflation, and the selected tax year’s contribution rules across the projection. Actual market performance will vary, and future IRS limits may rise. It also doesn’t account for taxes related to backdoor Roth strategies, early withdrawal penalties, or required ordering rules for distributions. Use the results as an educational estimate, not advice.
Next steps
- Enter your age, planned retirement age, MAGI, and filing status to check your eligibility.
- Choose an annual contribution amount and decide whether you will increase it with inflation.
- Set your expected return and inflation rate, then select contribution timing.
- Review the projection and refine your inputs until the plan aligns with your goals.
With tax-free growth and withdrawals, a Roth IRA can be a cornerstone of your retirement plan. Use the Roth IRA Calculator to visualize your path and make informed decisions about contributions and timelines. For personalized guidance, consider speaking with a financial professional.