What is the roth ira calculator?
In short
Contributing $7,000/year to a Roth IRA for 30 years at 7% return grows to over $700,000 — all tax-free. The 2026 limit is $7,500 ($8,600 if 50+), phasing out above $150,000 for single filers.
This Roth IRA calculator projects your account balance year by year, shows how much of your final balance is tax-free growth, and estimates your monthly retirement income using the 4% withdrawal rule.
How to use this calculator
- 1Enter your current age and target retirement age.
- 2Add your current Roth IRA balance (0 if starting fresh).
- 3Enter your planned annual contribution (2026 limit: $7,500).
- 4Set your expected annual return (7% is a conservative long-term estimate).
- 5Review your projected balance and tax-free growth breakdown.
The formula
- B
- — Balance at end of year
- r
- — Annual return rate
- C
- — Annual contribution
Worked example
The scenario
Start at age 30 with $10,000, contribute $6,000/year, earn 7% annually, retire at 65.
The result
Projected balance: ~$1.06M. Total contributions: $220,000. Tax-free growth: ~$840,000. Monthly income (4% rule): ~$3,500/month.
Common use cases
- Projecting retirement savings with no future tax liability
- Comparing Roth vs traditional IRA over different time horizons
- Seeing the compounding value of maxing contributions early
- Planning income in retirement when tax rates may be higher
Limitations & assumptions
- Income limits apply: in 2025 single filers earning over $165,000 cannot contribute directly.
- The 7% default return is not guaranteed — actual market returns vary year to year.
- Roth IRA conversions and backdoor Roth strategies are not modeled here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Roth IRA contribution limit for 2026?
What is the income limit for a Roth IRA in 2025?
How is a Roth IRA different from a traditional IRA?
When can I withdraw from a Roth IRA tax-free?
Can I have both a Roth IRA and a 401k?
Does a Roth IRA have required minimum distributions (RMDs)?
What investments can I hold in a Roth IRA?
Can I contribute to a Roth IRA if I have no earned income?
Disclaimer: KalkWise calculators are provided for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and the assumptions described above. Actual outcomes will vary. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.