Roth IRA withdrawals of contributions are always tax- and penalty-free; earnings are tax-free after age 59½ once the account is 5 years old. High earners above the limit can use the “backdoor Roth” (a non-deductible traditional IRA converted to Roth).
How to use the Roth IRA Calculator
- Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)
- Filing status
- Current age
- Retirement age
- Current Roth IRA balance
- Planned yearly contribution
- Expected annual return
- Your tax rate on investment gains (taxable account)
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter your MAGI, filing status, age, retirement age, current Roth balance, planned yearly contribution, expected return and your tax rate.
Tips
- Start early – time does more of the work than the amount you save.
- Take the full employer match if your plan offers one.
- Plan with a cautious return (4–6% after inflation) and check again every year.
- Know the contribution limits and required minimum distribution rules for your accounts.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring inflation when setting a retirement target.
- Underestimating how long retirement can last.
- Withdrawing early and paying penalties and taxes.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) | Amount in your currency |
| Filing status | Choose one: Single / head of household, Married filing jointly, Married filing separately |
| Current age | A number |
| Retirement age | A number |
| Current Roth IRA balance | Amount in your currency |
| Planned yearly contribution | Amount in your currency |
| Expected annual return | In % |
| Your tax rate on investment gains (taxable account) | In % |
What each result means
- Contribution used = min([Planned yearly contribution], [Your 2026 contribution limit])
- Years to retirement = max([Retirement age] – [Current age], 0)
- Roth IRA balance at retirement (tax-free) = fvc([Expected annual return]÷100, [Years to retirement], [Current Roth IRA balance], [Contribution used])
- Same savings in a taxable account = fvc([Expected annual return]÷100×(1 – [Your tax rate on investment gains (taxable account)]÷100), [Years to retirement], [Current Roth IRA balance], [Contribution used])
- Tax advantage of the Roth = [Roth IRA balance at retirement (tax-free)] – [Same savings in a taxable account]
Example values
How the main result changes when Modified adjusted gross income changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) | Your 2026 contribution limit |
|---|---|
| 60,000 | 7,500 |
| 90,000 | 7,500 |
| 120,000 | 7,500 |
| 150,000 | 7,500 |
| 180,000 | 0 |
| 240,000 | 0 |
Formula
Limit = $7,500 ($8,600 at 50+)Phase-out (2026): single $153,000–$168,000; married filing jointly $242,000–$252,000; married filing separately $0–$10,000Reduced limit = limit × (top of range − MAGI) ÷ range width (rounded up to $10)Balance = current × (1 + r)^n + contribution × ((1 + r)^n − 1) ÷ rWorked example
Inputs — Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI): $120,000; Filing status: Single / head of household; Current age: 30; Retirement age: 65; Current Roth IRA balance: $5,000; Planned yearly contribution: $7,500; Expected annual return: 7 %; Your tax rate on investment gains (taxable account): 15 %.
Results — Maximum contribution for your age = $7,500.00; Your 2026 contribution limit = $7,500.00; Contribution used = $7,500.00; Years to retirement = 35; Roth IRA balance at retirement (tax-free) = $1,090,159.50; Same savings in a taxable account = $864,717.77; Tax advantage of the Roth = $225,441.73.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Roth IRA limit for 2026?
$7,500, or $8,600 if you're 50 or older.
What are the 2026 Roth IRA income limits?
Phase-out $153,000–$168,000 single, $242,000–$252,000 married filing jointly.
Can I withdraw Roth contributions early?
Yes – contributions (not earnings) can be withdrawn any time without tax or penalty.
What formula does the Roth IRA Calculator use?
Limit = $7,500 ($8,600 at 50+).