Roth IRA Calculator
Project the tax-free growth of a Roth IRA.
Results update as you type.
This calculator is for illustrative purposes only. Actual rates, fees and terms vary by lender. Consult a qualified financial adviser before making borrowing decisions.
How it works
The future value shown here is the projected worth of a Roth IRA once a starting balance and steady yearly contributions have grown at your expected annual return. It matters because a Roth IRA is funded with money you have already paid tax on, so qualified withdrawals in retirement come out entirely tax-free — the balance you see is what you actually get to keep. This Roth IRA calculator compounds the opening balance on its own and treats each annual contribution as a deposit that compounds for the years remaining, then adds the two together. That annuity method is used because your contributions form a regular series, each one earning returns that are themselves reinvested, which is the engine behind long-horizon growth. Savers use a Roth IRA calculator to see whether their contribution level is on track, to test how sensitive the outcome is to the return they assume, and to weigh a Roth against a traditional account. Because the IRS caps annual contributions and limits eligibility by income, confirm the current limit before relying on a figure. The projection is nominal and pre-inflation, so treat it as a planning estimate and revisit it as your contributions, returns and the annual limit change over time.
FV = balance(1 + r)^y + contribution × [((1 + r)^y − 1) ÷ r], r = annual return
Balance is your starting amount and r is the expected annual return as a decimal, so balance × (1 + r)^y compounds the lump sum across y years. Each yearly contribution is its own deposit that compounds for the years left, and the bracketed annuity term ((1 + r)^y − 1) ÷ r totals the whole series at once. Adding the two gives the future value. The exponents capture returns being reinvested, which is why later years add far more than early ones.
Source:U.S. SEC — Investor.gov
We review all our tools from time to time to ensure accuracy.
Worked example
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter your values
Enter current balance, annual contribution, annual return and years until retirement.
- 2
Adjust the options
Fine-tune any options to match your situation.
- 3
Read your result
Future value updates instantly as you type — no button to press.
Frequently asked questions
What return should I assume for a Roth IRA?
Use a rate that matches what the account actually holds, since a Roth IRA is just a wrapper around investments you choose. A broad stock index has historically averaged roughly 7–10% a year before inflation over long periods, while bonds return less. A balanced mix sits between. Lean conservative for planning and test a lower rate, because past performance never guarantees a future result and markets do not deliver a smooth, constant return.
How much can I contribute each year?
The IRS sets an annual Roth IRA contribution limit that changes over time, with an extra catch-up amount allowed once you reach age 50. Eligibility also phases out above certain income levels, so high earners may be limited or excluded. Always check the current year's figures on the IRS website before you rely on a projection here, and enter the amount you can realistically contribute rather than the maximum if the cap does not fit your budget.
Are Roth IRA withdrawals really tax-free?
Qualified withdrawals are. Because you contribute money you have already paid income tax on, both the contributions and all the investment growth come out tax-free once you are at least 59½ and the account has been open five years. You can also withdraw your own contributions at any time without tax or penalty. Non-qualified withdrawals of earnings can trigger tax and a penalty, so plan to leave the growth untouched until retirement.
Should I choose a Roth or a traditional IRA?
It hinges on tax rates. A Roth is funded with after-tax money and grows tax-free, which favors you if you expect to be in a higher bracket in retirement or want tax-free income later. A traditional IRA gives a deduction now but is taxed on withdrawal, favoring those in a high bracket today who expect a lower one later. Many savers hold both to spread the risk of future tax changes.
Does this account for inflation and fees?
No. The projection is nominal, meaning it shows future dollars without adjusting for rising prices, and it assumes no investment fees. Real purchasing power will be lower — at 3% inflation, money roughly halves in value over 24 years — and fund expenses quietly reduce returns. Subtract an estimate for both to judge what the balance will truly buy, and favor low-cost funds so more of the growth stays in your account.