Roth vs Traditional Calculator

Roth or Traditional? Both grow the same, but they're taxed at opposite ends. This compares the after-tax value of the same contributions so you can see which comes out ahead for your situation.

Your details

Monthly contribution$Years until retirementExpected annual return%Tax rate in retirement%The rate you expect to pay when withdrawing from a Traditional account.

Roth advantage (after tax)

$134,196.81

Roth — after-tax value: $609,985.50
Traditional — after-tax value: $475,788.69
Balance before tax: $609,985.50

Roth vs Traditional (after tax)

Roth (tax-free): $609,985.5056%
Traditional (after tax): $475,788.6944%

Roth advantage (after tax)$134,196.81

Formula

Equal contributions grow to the same future value. A Roth is withdrawn tax-free, so its after-tax value is the full balance. A Traditional balance is taxed at your retirement rate, so its after-tax value is balance × (1 − retirement tax rate).

How it works

The rule of thumb: if your tax rate will be lower in retirement than today, Traditional (deduct now) tends to win; if it'll be higher, Roth (pay now, withdraw free) wins. Roth also has no required distributions, which is valuable for many savers.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose Roth or Traditional?⌄

It largely comes down to your tax rate now versus in retirement. Lower later favors Traditional; higher later favors Roth. Many people split contributions between both to hedge.

Does this account for the upfront tax break?⌄

This compares equal contributions and taxes the Traditional balance at withdrawal. A Traditional account also gives a tax deduction today — if you invest that saving, it narrows the gap.

Does a Roth have required minimum distributions?⌄

No — Roth IRAs have no RMDs during the original owner's lifetime, unlike Traditional accounts, which start required withdrawals at age 73.

Sources & methodology

Equal contributions to the same future value; Roth tax-free, Traditional taxed at the retirement rate. Excludes the reinvested value of the upfront deduction and income limits. Not tax advice.

•IRS — Roth & traditional IRAs — IRS

Last updated: 2026-07-22

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