Roth vs Traditional Calculator

Both accounts get the same yearly contribution growing at the return you set. Roth money is post-tax and comes out tax-free. Traditional money goes in pre-tax, is taxed at your retirement rate on withdrawal, and the upfront tax deduction is invested on the side. The account with the higher after-tax value wins.

When your tax rate today equals your tax rate in retirement, the math is identical, so the two come out the same. The deciding factor is whether you expect to pay a higher or lower rate later, not the accounts themselves.

Roth tends to win when you expect a higher tax rate in retirement than today, since you lock in today's lower rate. Traditional tends to win when you expect a lower rate later, because the deduction is taxed less on the way out.

It uses a level annual contribution at a constant return, a flat tax rate now and in retirement, and treats the invested tax deduction as growing tax-deferred. It ignores contribution limits, employer matches, required distributions, state taxes and inflation, so treat it as an illustration.

No. This calculator is for education and illustration only and is not financial, tax or investment advice. Tax rules and limits change and your situation is unique, so consult a qualified professional before deciding.

No. The comparison runs in your browser and nothing you type is saved or sent anywhere by the page itself.