Project traditional IRA growth, deductibility and tax savings, and compare it with a Roth.
Deduction is partly phased out. Limits and phase-outs from IRS Notice 2025-67; confirm for your situation.
Please do not make financial decisions based on these results.
What is the IRA Calculator?
A traditional IRA may give you a tax deduction now and tax-deferred growth, with withdrawals taxed later. The calculator projects the balance, the tax saved and compares it with a Roth.
Choosing the account type
Traditional accounts defer tax until withdrawal, while Roth accounts are funded with after-tax money and can be withdrawn tax-free if the rules are met. Compare them with the Roth IRA calculator and the IRA calculator, and project your workplace plan with the 401(k) calculator.
How to use the IRA Calculator
- Enter your numbers. Start with Modified AGI ($), Current age, Retirement age, then fill in Current IRA balance ($), Contribution per year ($), Annual return (%), Your tax rate now (%). Use today’s balances and your real contribution amounts, then test a more cautious return. Fields marked optional can stay at zero.
- Choose your options. Tax year, Filing status, Covered by a workplace retirement plan? change how the result is worked out, and the form updates to match your choice.
- Read the result. The highlighted box gives the Traditional IRA value at 65, and the cards below show Contribution used per year, Maximum allowed (2026), Deductible portion. Tables and charts break it down further.
- Test other scenarios. Results update as you type. Change one value at a time to see what drives the answer, and press Reset to go back to the defaults.
Formula and how it works
Example with real numbers
Here is the IRA Calculator using the default values shown in the calculator above:
Inputs
| Tax year | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Filing status | Single / head of household |
| Modified AGI ($) | 90,000 |
| Current age | 35 |
| Retirement age | 65 |
| Current IRA balance ($) | 15,000 |
| Contribution per year ($) | 7,000 |
| Annual return (%) | 7 |
| Your tax rate now (%) | 22 |
| Expected tax rate in retirement (%) | 18 |
| Covered by a workplace retirement plan? | Yes |
Results
| Traditional IRA value at 65 | $860,668.31 |
|---|---|
| Contribution used per year | $7,000.00 |
| Maximum allowed (2026) | $7,500.00 |
| Deductible portion | $750.00 |
| Tax saved this year | $165.00 |
| Total contributions | $225,000.00 |
| After-tax value if traditional | $705,748.01 |
| Roth value (same take-home cost) | $671,321.28 |
| Better choice at these tax rates | Traditional IRA |
With these inputs the calculator returns Traditional IRA value at 65: $860,668.31. Change any value in the calculator to see how the result moves.
What the results tell you
The results panel of the IRA Calculator reports Traditional IRA value at 65, contribution used per year, maximum allowed (2026), deductible portion, tax saved this year, total contributions and after-tax value if traditional. Compare these figures while changing one input at a time, and use the related calculators below to look at the same situation from another angle.
Tips for better results
Method and limits. This calculator applies the formula in the section above to your inputs, in your browser; nothing you enter is stored on our servers. Retirement results depend on returns, inflation and contribution limits that change over time. They are projections, not promises. It is for information, not financial, tax or legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is my IRA contribution deductible?
It depends on your income and whether you or your spouse have a workplace plan.
Are traditional IRA contributions always deductible?
No. If you or your spouse have a workplace plan, the deduction phases out at higher incomes.
When should I claim Social Security?
Claiming at 62 reduces your benefit permanently, while waiting until 70 increases it. The best age depends on your health, other income and spouse. The Social Security Calculator compares the options.
Are the contribution limits current?
The 2026 IRS limits are built in (401(k) $24,500, IRA $7,500) and can be edited in the data file.
Are the results guaranteed?
No. Results depend entirely on the numbers you enter and the formulas shown on this page. Please do not make financial decisions based on them alone; confirm important figures with a licensed professional.
Related retirement calculators
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- Annuity Calculator
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- Social Security Calculator
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- Rule of 72 Calculator
- Deferred Annuity Calculator
- Variable Annuity Calculator
- Retirement Withdrawal Calculator