Roth IRA Growth & Rates Calculator
Project your retirement savings based on annual returns and contribution rates.
How the Roth IRA Rates Calculator Works
A Roth IRA is a powerful retirement tool that allows your money to grow tax-free. Unlike a traditional IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars today, meaning you don't get a tax break now, but you pay zero taxes on qualified withdrawals in retirement. This calculator helps you estimate how much wealth you can accumulate by focusing on three primary drivers: time, contribution consistency, and the annual rate of return.
The Impact of Annual Rates of Return
Your "rate of return" is the percentage your investments grow each year. Historically, the S&P 500 has averaged roughly 7% to 10% annually before inflation. Even a 1% or 2% difference in your expected rate can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars difference over a 30-year career due to the power of compounding.
Example Calculation
Imagine a 25-year-old investor with the following profile:
- Starting Balance: $1,000
- Annual Contribution: $7,000 (Current 2024 limit for under 50)
- Retirement Age: 65 (40 years of growth)
- Annual Rate of Return: 8%
In this scenario, the total balance at age 65 would be approximately $1,984,320. Of that total, only $281,000 consists of actual contributions, while over $1.7 million is generated through tax-free compound interest.
Roth IRA Contribution Limits (2024)
To use this calculator effectively, it is important to stay within the IRS guidelines. For 2024, the contribution limit is $7,000 for those under age 50 and $8,000 for those age 50 and older. Additionally, Roth IRAs have income phase-out limits; if you earn too much, your ability to contribute directly may be reduced or eliminated, though "Backdoor Roth" options may exist.
Maximizing Your Growth
The two most critical factors you can control are Time and Consistency. Starting just five years earlier can double your final nest egg. Because Roth IRAs are tax-free, they are particularly beneficial for younger investors who expect to be in a higher tax bracket in the future than they are today.