IRA Calculator
Project the growth of a Roth or Traditional IRA — enter your starting balance, annual contribution, years and expected return to see the balance at retirement.
Created and reviewed by Christoph Ballmer Estimate only — not financial, investment or tax advice. It compounds your inputs at a fixed annual return and does not account for market swings, fees, inflation, the IRS contribution limits and income phase-outs, or the tax treatment of withdrawals (Roth withdrawals are generally tax-free in retirement; Traditional withdrawals are taxed). Confirm limits and rules with the IRS or a financial professional.
How an IRA grows
An IRA grows from two things: the money you put in, and the compound return it earns over time. Each year your balance earns a return and you add a new contribution, and it all compounds. The future value is your starting balance grown at the return, plus each year’s contribution compounded for the years remaining. Enter your balance, annual contribution, time horizon and an expected return above to project the balance at retirement.
future value = start × (1 + r)ⁿ + contribution × [((1 + r)ⁿ − 1) ÷ r]
For example, $10,000 to start plus $7,000 a year for 30 years at a 7% return grows to roughly $725,000 — of which about $220,000 is contributions and the rest is compound growth. Time and a steady contribution matter more than picking the perfect year.
Roth vs. Traditional IRA
A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax money, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. A Traditional IRA is often tax-deductible now, but withdrawals are taxed as income later. This calculator projects the same pre-tax balance for either — the difference is in the tax you pay when you take the money out.
This is an estimate, not financial or tax advice, and it does not enforce the IRS contribution limits or income phase-outs — check the current figures with the IRS. Comparing it to a workplace plan? See the 401(k) calculator and the compound interest calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much will my IRA be worth?
It depends on your balance, how much you add each year, your return and the time horizon. The future value is start × (1 + r)^n plus the contributions compounded each year. For example, $0 start, $7,000 a year for 30 years at 7% grows to about $660,000. Enter your own figures above.
What is the difference between a Roth and Traditional IRA?
You contribute to a Roth with after-tax money and qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free; a Traditional IRA is often tax-deductible now but withdrawals are taxed as income later. This calculator projects the pre-tax balance for either — the difference shows up in how that balance is taxed when you take it out.
How much can I contribute to an IRA?
The IRS sets an annual limit that changes over time (with an extra catch-up amount once you are 50+), and Roth eligibility phases out at higher incomes. This tool does not enforce the limit, so use the current IRS figure for your contribution and check the income rules.