Retirelens Calculator

Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA — which is better for you?

Compare after-tax retirement wealth and sustainable income between Traditional and Roth IRA strategies based on your income, tax rates, and time horizon.

Traditional IRA leads

Better after-tax value at retirement

Traditional IRA

Difference: $14,636 in future dollars ($6,030 in today's dollars).

Traditional (after-tax)

$799K

Roth IRA

$785K

Your details

Adjust to match your situation.

2026 limit: $7,500 / $8,600 (50+)

7%
3%

Balance over time

  • Roth
  • Traditional
373941434547495153555759616365$0$200K$400K$600K$800K

Retirement value comparison

Traditional IRARoth IRA$0$200K$400K$600K$800K

Trad. sustainable income/yr

$20,818

Roth sustainable income/yr

$20,437

What this means

Based on your 22% current rate vs 18% retirement rate, Traditional IRA produces $14,636 more in after-tax retirement wealth. In today's purchasing power, that's $6,030.

Your first-year tax savings from a Traditional contribution: $1,650. Your allowed Roth contribution at your income level: $7,500/yr.

Plan more than your portfolio

Your finances are one lens. A confident retirement also needs clarity on health, purpose, relationships, and legacy — the same pillars we use across Retirelens.

Financial Readiness

Know where you stand and what to do next with your money.

74% of planners reported satisfaction with retirement income vs. 43% of non-planners (Goldman Sachs)

Health & Wellness

Secure solid coverage, stay ahead with preventive care and healthy habits a staple.

68% of adults ages 50–64 said they were concerned that federal policy changes could affect their health insurance coverage. (University of Michigan)

Lifestyle & Purpose

Shape days you look forward to, with steps to get there.

Research shows that a stronger sense of purpose is associated with lower mortality risk among adults over age 50. (American Medical Association)

Social Connections

Strengthen relationships and build a support circle.

A longitudinal study of adults aged 65+ found that older adults with more diverse social networks had a lower risk of death and better cognitive and physical function than those with less diverse networks. (Chico Health Aging Project)

Legacy Planning

Organize your assets and document so your family isn't left guessing.

Without a proper estate plan, more than half of families experience disputes or have assets end up under court control. (LegalShield)

How this calculator works

Traditional IRA: contributions grow pre-tax each year. At retirement, the balance is taxed at your retirement rate. Tax savings from deductions are assumed to be reinvested in a taxable account, growing at the same return.

Roth IRA: eligible contributions grow after-tax. No tax is applied at withdrawal. Roth contributions phase out based on your MAGI and 2026 IRS limits.

Help

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to common questions about this calculator.