Retirement calculator
Roth IRA growth calculator
Model how a Roth IRA balance and a steady annual contribution might grow at an assumed return.
Illustrative Roth IRA balance
—
Hypothetical growth only: the annual contribution entered here is NOT a permitted contribution amount, even if the calculator displays a result. The model assumes contributions at each year-end, a constant return, and annual compounding. The 2026 combined traditional-and-Roth IRA contribution reference is generally $7,500 ($8,600 at age 50+), subject to taxable compensation, income and filing status; a joint-filing spouse may qualify through the other spouse's compensation. Limits and eligibility can change during this projection. Check the IRS rules for each actual contribution year.
What this Roth IRA estimate means
The result is a hypothetical ending balance, not a prediction, tax calculation, or check that you may contribute the amount entered. It grows your current balance once per year at your chosen return, then adds your hypothetical contribution at the end of that year. Use it to compare what happens when you change the years, contributions or return, not to decide what the IRS permits.
How we calculate it
For each whole year: new balance = old balance × (1 + assumed annual return) + hypothetical annual contribution. Contributions arrive at year-end. The same rate applies every year. A negative return above -100% is allowed, but the estimate never models the uneven sequence of real market returns.
Worked example: Start with $10,000, add a hypothetical $5,000 at each year-end, and assume 6% a year for 20 years. This model ends near $216,000. The $110,000 total put in ($10,000 starting balance + $100,000 later contributions) accounts for part of that amount; roughly $106,000 is modeled growth. Neither number is guaranteed.
What to check before contributing
- The entered amount is hypothetical even if it exceeds the current annual IRA cap. This page does not reject over-limit inputs or authorize contributions.
- For tax year 2026, the combined traditional and Roth IRA limit is generally $7,500 ($8,600 for people age 50 or older), or taxable compensation if lower. If you file jointly, the spousal IRA rule may allow a contribution using your spouse's compensation, subject to the joint-return rules and each spouse's separate IRA.
- Roth IRA eligibility can phase out with modified adjusted gross income and filing status. Other IRA contributions use the same annual cap; future limits may differ over a projection of many years. Check the rules for the actual tax year and your own circumstances before contributing.
This model leaves out fees, inflation, varying returns, taxes on conversions, and distribution rules. It does not tell you whether a withdrawal would be qualified. See the IRS contribution limits and spousal IRA guidance and the IRS 2026 limit announcement. Ask a tax professional about eligibility and withdrawals.
Roth IRA growth questions
Does the calculator check my Roth IRA contribution eligibility?
No. It models a hypothetical amount. Income phaseouts, compensation, filing status, other IRA contributions, and future-year rules are not calculated.
Why does it add the contribution after growth?
The example assumes each year's contribution arrives at year-end. Contributions made earlier may have more time to grow, so a different contribution schedule would produce another result.
Is this the same as a Roth conversion calculator?
No. A conversion moves money from an existing account and can create a tax bill. This estimate models a current Roth IRA balance plus hypothetical new annual contributions, without conversion taxes.
Let's build a
financial life
that feels like yours.
Answer a few questions to find advisors who match your needs.