Roth IRA Calculator: Contributions and Growth

Roth IRA calculator

Project a Roth IRA balance from your age, current savings, recurring contributions, return, fees and inflation. Compare the result with a target and estimate the starting contribution needed.

Currency

Current age

Projection age

Current Roth IRA balance

Starting annual contributionThis is a scenario input, not a statement of the current legal limit.

Contribution frequency

Annual contribution growth (%)Applied at the start of each projection year.

Expected annual return before fees (%)

Annual investment fees (%)

Annual inflation assumption (%)

Target balance at projection age

Illustrative annual withdrawal rate (%)For illustration only; it is not a recommended withdrawal rate.

Projected balance at the selected age

—

Years invested—

Current balance contributed—

Future contributions—

Estimated investment growth—

Balance in today’s money—

Net return assumption—

First contribution per deposit—

Starting annual contribution needed—

Target gap or surplus—

Illustrative monthly withdrawal—

How the Roth IRA projection works

Net annual return assumption = expected annual return − annual investment fees

Periodic growth rate = (1 + net annual return)^{1 ÷ deposits per year} − 1

Ending balance = current balance compounded each period + each end-of-period contribution compounded through the remaining periods

The annual contribution changes once per projection year using the contribution-growth assumption. The required starting contribution is solved using the same frequency, return, fee and annual-growth assumptions. Inflation-adjusted value divides the projected balance by cumulative inflation.

Worked example

The default scenario starts at age 30 with $10,000, contributes $7,000 per year monthly, increases that annual amount by 2% each year, and projects to age 65 at a 7% return before 0.25% annual fees. Change every assumption to test a conservative, base and optimistic case rather than treating one result as a forecast.

Roth IRA limits and tax treatment

Important: The calculator does not enforce contribution limits, catch-up limits, income phase-outs, filing-status rules, earned-income requirements, ordering rules, conversion rules or the requirements for qualified withdrawals. These can change. Verify current rules and eligibility with the IRS or a qualified tax professional before contributing or withdrawing.

Contributions are entered as amounts that reach the Roth IRA. The calculator does not estimate the income tax paid before contributing, compare traditional and Roth tax outcomes, or guarantee that withdrawals will be tax-free. It also does not model market volatility; it applies one constant annual return assumption.

How to use the result

Use the actual current balance and a contribution amount you are eligible to make.
Subtract realistic investment fees from expected return; the calculator displays the resulting net assumption.
Test lower returns and contribution interruptions. A smooth projection hides year-to-year volatility.
Compare nominal and inflation-adjusted balances. They answer different questions.
The withdrawal figure is a simple percentage illustration, not a retirement-income recommendation.

Frequently asked questions

Does the calculator know the current Roth IRA contribution limit?

No. It intentionally uses the amount you enter because limits and eligibility rules can change and can depend on age, income and filing status.

Are Roth IRA withdrawals always tax-free?

No. Tax treatment depends on whether distribution requirements are met and on the type and timing of money withdrawn. This projection does not determine tax status.

Why subtract fees from return?

Investment fees reduce the return available to compound. This tool uses the simplified assumption that the annual fee percentage directly reduces the entered annual return.

What if the required contribution is higher than I can legally contribute?

The result is a mathematical funding requirement, not permission to contribute that amount. Extend the time horizon, lower the target, review assumptions or consider other eligible accounts after checking current rules.