Roth vs Traditional calculator

The entire Roth-versus-Traditional question compresses into one comparison: your tax rate now versus your tax rate in retirement. This calculator makes that visible — same contributions, same growth, different tax timing — so you can see how the outcome shifts as the two rates change.

A guess for everyone — try it both directions.

The honest caveat

Nobody knows future tax law, and most people’s income (and therefore rate) moves over a career. That uncertainty is why splitting contributions between both account types is such a common middle path — it diversifies the tax bet the same way index funds diversify the stock bet.

Roth vs Traditional IRA walks the concepts, why people say Roth suits younger workers examines the age rule of thumb, and is it a big deal if you pick the wrong one puts the stakes in perspective. Starting from zero? See how to set up a 401k at your first job.

Sources & further reading

This tool is general education, not personalized financial or tax advice. It simplifies contribution limits, matches, and state taxes. See our disclaimer.