How it's calculated
Let P = current balance, C = yearly contribution, R = annual return and n = years until retirement. The return is treated as an effective annual rate: each month the balance grows by g = (1 + R)1/12, so twelve months add exactly R.
Monthly contributions (C/12 at the end of each month, N = 12n):
FV = P·g^N + (C/12)·(g^N − 1)/(g − 1)
Once a year in January: FV = P(1+R)^n + C·[(1+R)^n − 1]/R · (1+R)
Once a year in December: FV = P(1+R)^n + C·[(1+R)^n − 1]/R
Raising the contribution q% a year: year k contributes C(1+q)^(k−1)
Today's dollars = FV / (1 + inflation)^n
IRS limits (checked 2026-10-18)
- 2026 contribution limit: $7,500.00 ($8,600.00 if you're 50 or older), or your taxable compensation if less. This limit is shared across all your traditional and Roth IRAs. Source: IRS, Retirement topics: IRA contribution limits.
- 2026 Roth income phase-out (modified AGI): $153,000.00–$168,000.00 for single and head of household; $242,000.00–$252,000.00 for married filing jointly; $0.00–$10,000.00 if married filing separately and you lived with your spouse. This calculator doesn't check eligibility.
- Limits change every year. The IRS adjusts them for inflation, so the long-run projection simply uses the contribution you enter. It warns only if this year's contribution is above this year's limit.
Assumptions
- A constant return every year (real markets go up and down), no fees, no withdrawals. Taxes are not modeled; qualified Roth withdrawals are generally tax-free, but the rules (age 59½ and the 5-year rule) have exceptions. See IRS Publication 590-B.
Worked examples
1. Maxing out from age 25 to 65
$7,500.00 a year ($625.00 a month) at 7% for 40 years, starting from $0. Here g = 1.071/12 = 1.005654 and N = 480: FV = 625 × (14.9745 − 1) ÷ (1.005654 − 1) = $1,544,713.75. You contribute $300,000.00; the other $1,244,713.75 is growth. Load this example
2. Starting ten years later
The same $7,500.00 a year from age 35 to 65 grows to $730,907.88, which is $813,805.88 less, even though you only contribute $75,000.00 less. Load this example
3. Catch-up contributions after 50
Age 50 with $40,000.00 already saved, contributing the 2026 age-50+ maximum of $8,600.00 each January at 6% until 65: $308,046.07. Future limits will likely be higher than $8,600.00, but we don't guess at them. Load this example
Frequently asked questions
How much will my Roth IRA be worth over time?
It depends on how much you contribute, for how long, and the return you earn. As an example, $7,500 a year at an assumed 7% return for 40 years grows to about $1.5 million, of which $300,000 is contributions. Enter your own numbers above; the year-by-year table shows your balance at every age.
What is the Roth IRA contribution limit for 2026?
$7,500.00, or $8,600.00 if you're 50 or older, across all your traditional and Roth IRAs combined, and no more than your taxable compensation. Income limits can reduce or eliminate what you may contribute. See the IRS page linked above; limits are updated every year.
What return should I assume for a Roth IRA?
A Roth IRA is an account, not an investment: the return depends on what you hold inside it (cash, bonds, stock funds). No calculator can predict returns. Trying a few rates, for example 4%, 6% and 8%, gives you a sense of the range.
Is a Roth IRA calculator by age different from a regular one?
Only in how it shows results. This calculator lists your projected balance at each age from today until the retirement age you choose, which makes it easy to see where you might be at 40, 50 or 60.
Are Roth IRA withdrawals tax-free?
Qualified distributions are generally tax-free, which usually requires being 59½ or older and having had a Roth IRA for at least five years. Your own contributions can generally be withdrawn at any time. There are exceptions and details, so check IRS Publication 590-B or a tax professional. This page isn't tax advice.