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Free · Tax scenarios · 2026 limits

Roth IRA calculator

Model a Roth IRA balance at 65. Contributions are made after tax, and qualified distributions can be tax-free; income eligibility, contribution limits and the five-year rules still apply. Free, with 2026 IRS limits built in.

Direct answer

How much can a Roth IRA grow by retirement?

A 25-year-old contributing the 2026 Roth IRA maximum of $7,500 annually at an 8% assumed return grows the account to approximately $2,073,000 by age 65 in this arithmetic scenario. Total contributed: $300,000 across 40 years; modeled growth: about $1,773,000. A qualified distribution may be tax-free; eligibility and the five-year rules must be checked separately.

2026 Roth IRA contribution limit: $7,500 under 50, $8,600 age 50+. Single-filer phase-out runs from $153,000 to $168,000 MAGI. MFJ: $242,000–$252,000.

Source: IRS Notice 2025-67 + Pub 590-A

Roth IRA quick facts

  • 2026 contribution limit (under 50): $7,500
    IRS Notice 2025-67
  • 2026 catch-up limit (50+): $8,600 ($1,100 catch-up)
    IRS Notice 2025-67
  • 2026 single MAGI phase-out: $153,000–$168,000
    IRS Pub 590-A
  • 2026 MFJ MAGI phase-out: $242,000–$252,000
    IRS Pub 590-A
  • Growth after 40 years at 8% (maxing $7,500/yr): ≈$2,073,000 modeled balance
    Snowballr Research using standard compound math
  • Backdoor Roth: A conversion path that depends on tax basis, the pro-rata rule and current IRS guidance
    IRS Publication 590-A
2026 Roth IRA limits · IRS Notice 2025-67 · Pub 590-A
$7,500 contribution cap · $8,600 if 50+
Single-filer phase-out: $153,000–$168,000 MAGI. Married filing jointly: $242,000–$252,000. Direct contributions phase down across those ranges and are unavailable at or above the applicable ceiling.
Use the calculator for an arithmetic projection, then verify eligibility, contribution room, basis and distribution rules with the current IRS guidance.

2026 Roth IRA contribution limits

  • Under 50: $7,500/year ($625/month)
  • 50 and over: $8,600/year ($716.67/month) with catch-up
  • Phase-out (single): $153,000–$168,000 MAGI
  • Phase-out (married filing jointly): $242,000–$252,000 MAGI

Above the direct-contribution phase-out, some people model a backdoor Roth: contribute to a nondeductible Traditional IRA, then consider a conversion after checking tax basis, the pro-rata rule and current IRS guidance.

Why the Roth IRA is so powerful

Contributions are made after tax, earnings are not generally taxed each year inside the account, qualified withdrawals can be tax-free, and the original owner generally has no lifetime RMD requirement. Compare those rules with a taxable brokerage, where dividends and realized gains can create current tax.

Example: $7,500/year ($625/month) for 35 years at 8% with month-end deposits grows to ~$1.43M. If a withdrawal at 65 meets the qualified-distribution rules, the Roth treatment may be tax-free. A taxable account has different tax timing and rates; compare the actual account, basis, fees and tax assumptions rather than treating the difference as a guaranteed saving.

Roth IRA growth at 8% annual return

Monthly contrib.YearsTotal contributedFinal balance
$30030$108,000~$447,000
$50030$180,000~$745,000
$625 (max)30$225,000~$931,000
$625 (max)35$262,500~$1.43M
$625 (max)40$300,000~$2.18M

Roth IRA Calculator FAQ

Can I contribute to a Roth IRA if I make too much?

Above the income phase-out ($168k single, $252k married filing jointly MAGI for 2026), direct Roth contributions are not allowed. The phase-out ranges are $153k–$168k single and $242k–$252k married filing jointly. Use the backdoor Roth only after checking the pro-rata rule and current IRS guidance.

Roth IRA vs Roth 401(k) — which is better?

Both use after-tax contributions, but tax-free treatment generally depends on a qualified distribution. A Roth 401(k) has a higher 2026 employee limit ($24,500) and different plan rules; a Roth IRA has its own income limits, contribution rules and investment choices. Compare the match, fees, tax rules, liquidity and plan documents before choosing an order.

Can I withdraw Roth IRA contributions early?

Regular Roth IRA contributions are generally distributed before earnings under the ordering rules, but a withdrawal can still involve reporting and special cases. Earnings taken before a qualified distribution may owe tax and the 10% additional tax unless an exception applies; do not treat the account as an emergency fund without checking the current IRS rules.

What's a Roth conversion ladder?

A strategy some early retirees model: convert Traditional IRA dollars to Roth while considering the current tax bracket, then track each conversion's separate five-year period. Converted principal may avoid the 10% additional tax after its period, but tax, ordering and exception rules still apply.

Should I prioritize Roth IRA over 401(k)?

Review the full 401(k) match first if you can do so without missing essential payments, then compare a Roth IRA and additional 401(k) contributions. Vesting, taxes, fees, liquidity and your goals determine the best sequence.

Are Roth IRA earnings really 100% tax-free?

Qualified withdrawals are generally free of federal income tax when the applicable age and five-year requirements are met. Nonqualified earnings distributions can be taxable or subject to the 10% additional tax, and state treatment and exceptions vary. Check the current IRS distribution rules.

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Methodology and editorial standards

Each calculator uses its own inputs and method. Review the labels, units and assumption notes shown with the result. Costs, taxes, fees, benefits and other factors are not modeled unless the page or calculator explicitly says they are. A fixed-rate projection is a scenario, not a forecast or personalized recommendation.

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