Roth IRA Calculator 2026

What is a Roth IRA?

A Roth IRA is an individual retirement account funded with money that has already been taxed. If you meet the rules for a qualified withdrawal, your investment growth can come out tax-free. This Roth IRA calculator helps you estimate your contribution limit and potential account value at retirement.

The amount you can contribute depends on your age, filing status and modified adjusted gross income. For 2026, the IRA contribution limit is $7,500, or $8,600 if you are age 50 or older. Your contribution may be reduced or unavailable if your income falls within or above the applicable phase-out range.

Why a Roth IRA matters

A Roth IRA can give you a source of retirement money that may be withdrawn tax-free when you meet the applicable rules. That can help you plan how to draw income alongside workplace retirement savings, Social Security and other assets.

Your contribution decision affects how much you save now and how much time your investments have to grow. Use the estimate when reviewing your retirement target, deciding whether to raise a workplace plan contribution, or checking how much room remains in your budget. The Roth IRA calculator is a planning aid, not a promise of investment results.

Roth IRA eligibility and withdrawal rules can depend on your circumstances. Confirm your eligibility and tax treatment with a qualified tax professional.

How to use this Roth IRA calculator

1. Choose your filing status. The calculator uses it to apply the relevant income phase-out range.
2. Enter your modified adjusted gross income. Use the amount that applies under the tax rules, rather than assuming it is the same as your salary.
3. Enter your current age and the age when you expect to retire. These inputs set the time period used for the projection.
4. Add your current Roth IRA balance and the yearly contribution you want to test. The calculator compares the contribution with the applicable 2026 limit and your income eligibility.
5. Enter an annual return assumption. Treat this as an estimate for planning, not a guaranteed rate.
6. Review the allowed contribution and projected balance. If your income or contribution changes, update the inputs to compare scenarios.

Roth IRA calculator example

How to read your Roth IRA calculator results

The 2026 limit for your age is the maximum annual contribution before income limits are applied. The income phase-out range shows where eligibility or the allowed amount can change. If your income is in that range, the allowed contribution may be lower than the full limit.

Allowed contribution is the amount the calculator estimates you can contribute based on the inputs. Yearly contribution used shows the amount included in the projection. If it is higher than your allowed contribution, revise the amount before making a contribution decision. You generally need eligible compensation to contribute, and other rules may apply; confirm your situation with a qualified tax professional.

How to build your Roth IRA savings

1. 01

   Choose a contribution you can sustain

   Set a yearly amount that fits your budget after essential bills and near-term savings needs. If the full amount is not workable, start with a smaller recurring contribution and revisit it when your income or expenses change.

2. 02

   Increase contributions when your budget allows

   When you receive a raise or pay off a recurring expense, consider directing part of the freed-up money to your Roth IRA. Check your income eligibility and remaining contribution room before increasing the amount.

3. 03

   Review your return assumption

   Try more than one reasonable return assumption to see how sensitive the projected balance is. Do not choose an optimistic rate just to make a retirement target appear achievable. Investments can lose value, and actual returns will vary.

4. 04

   Coordinate retirement accounts

   Compare Roth IRA saving with your workplace plan and other retirement resources. A Retirement Savings Calculator can help you look at a broader savings picture, while a tax professional can help assess account and tax rules for your circumstances.

Common Roth IRA calculator mistakes

• Using salary instead of modified adjusted gross income

  The calculator asks for modified adjusted gross income, which may differ from your salary. Use the figure that applies to your tax situation and confirm it with a tax professional if you are unsure.

• Treating the projection as guaranteed

  A projected balance is an estimate based on the age, contribution and return assumptions entered. It cannot predict market performance or account fees. Review the assumptions before using the result to set a retirement date.

• Contributing above your allowed amount

  The annual limit and income phase-out both matter. Check the allowed contribution shown in the result and consider other IRA contributions you have made before deciding how much to put in.

• Forgetting that tax rules apply to withdrawals

  Roth growth is not automatically tax-free in every situation. Withdrawal eligibility and tax treatment depend on applicable rules, so confirm your plans with a qualified tax professional.

The roth IRA formula

Key terms

Modified adjusted gross income

An income measure used in determining Roth IRA contribution eligibility. It may differ from your salary or other commonly quoted income figures.

Income phase-out

An income range in which the amount you may contribute can be reduced. The applicable range depends on filing status.

Tax-free growth

Investment growth in a Roth IRA that may be withdrawn without federal income tax when applicable qualification rules are met.

Annual return

The yearly investment growth assumption entered into the calculator. Actual returns can be higher or lower, and investments can lose value.