Roth IRA Calculator: How Much Tax-Free Wealth Can You Build?
Calculate how much tax-free wealth you can build in a Roth IRA. Compare Roth vs Traditional and find your optimal Roth conversion strategy.
Want this answer for your exact situation?
This calculator uses one variable. Your real answer depends on your complete household picture — income, investments, mortgage, kids, debt. Free forever · Takes 4 minutes · No credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I contribute to a Roth IRA in 2025?
In 2025, the Roth IRA contribution limit is $7,000 per year ($8,000 if you're 50 or older). Income phase-outs begin at $150,000 for single filers and $236,000 for married filing jointly. Above these limits, a backdoor Roth conversion is an alternative.
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: which is better?
Roth wins when you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement than you are today — you pay taxes now at a lower rate and withdrawals are tax-free. Traditional wins when you expect a lower bracket in retirement. For most early-career and middle-income earners, Roth is the better choice.
What is a Roth conversion?
A Roth conversion moves money from a traditional 401(k) or IRA to a Roth account. You pay income tax on the converted amount now, but all future growth is tax-free. The optimal time to convert is during low-income years — job gaps, early retirement, or before RMDs kick in at 73.
Can I withdraw from a Roth IRA early?
You can always withdraw your Roth IRA contributions (not earnings) tax- and penalty-free at any age — they're your after-tax dollars. Earnings can be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free after age 59½ if the account has been open 5+ years. This flexibility makes Roth accounts excellent bridge accounts for early retirees.
What is the Roth IRA 5-year rule?
To withdraw Roth earnings tax-free, the account must be at least 5 years old AND you must be 59½ or older (or meet an exception like disability or first home). The 5-year clock starts January 1 of the first tax year you made a contribution.