IRA Calculator

Adjust the inputs below. Results update as you type.

How it works

Traditional IRA planning centers on possible upfront deductibility and taxable withdrawals later. Model annual contributions against the current-year limit (and catch-up if eligible), then grow the balance with a conservative return assumption. Deductibility can phase out with workplace plans and income; withdrawals in retirement are generally ordinary income, and RMDs apply at the ages set by current law. Use this page when you care about pre-tax contribution room and taxable-distribution planning. For after-tax contributions with qualified tax-free withdrawals, prefer the Roth IRA calculator and compare the two under your expected tax brackets.

Input guidance

Model annual contributions against the current-year limit (and catch-up if eligible).
Return assumptions should be sustainable, not peak-year optimism.
Note whether deductibility may phase out with workplace coverage and income.

The formula

A traditional IRA grows tax-deferred: FV = P·(1+r)^n + PMT·(((1+r)^n − 1)/r). Withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income.

Worked example

Contributing $6,500/year at 7% for 25 years builds about $440,000 pre-tax; the eventual tax depends on your retirement tax bracket.

More examples to test

$6,500/year for 20 years at 5% vs 7%: compare projected balances.
Same plan with a mid-career pause in contributions: see the gap.

How to interpret results

Use this for traditional IRA contribution-room and growth planning. Compare with the Roth IRA page when tax timing is the decision.

When this can be inaccurate

Deductibility phase-outs, RMDs, and conversion taxes need tax-year rules beyond this projection.

Sources

Change history

July 2026: Published traditional IRA planning path distinct from Roth IRA pages.

Site-wide corrections also appear on the corrections log.

Project IRA growth over time. Traditional IRA contributions may be tax-deductible now but taxed at withdrawal. Roth IRA uses after-tax money but grows and withdraws tax-free.

Current IRA balance ($)

Annual contribution ($)

Account type

Your age

Years to retirement

Expected return (%)

Current marginal tax rate (%)

Expected retirement tax rate (%)

Usually lower in retirement.

Projected balance at age 65: $859,880
After-tax value: $730,898; After 15% tax
Total contributed: $237,000
Investment growth: $622,880
Tax saved now (est.): $49,500

2026 IRA limit: $7,500 ($8,600 with catch-up for 50+). Traditional IRA deductibility depends on income and employer plan coverage. Roth IRA has income limits for direct contributions. Not tax advice.

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Frequently asked questions

Is my contribution deductible?+

Often yes for a traditional IRA, but the deduction can phase out if you or a spouse has a workplace plan and your income is high.

What is tax-deferred growth?+

You pay no tax on gains, dividends, or interest while the money stays in the account, so the full balance compounds until withdrawal.

When can I withdraw?+

Penalty-free withdrawals generally begin at 59½. Early withdrawals usually face income tax plus a 10% penalty, with some exceptions.

How should I use this result?+

Treat it as a planning estimate. Compare at least two realistic scenarios, then confirm with statements, quotes, or a qualified professional before acting.

How often should I refresh assumptions?+

Refresh whenever rates, income, costs, or policy limits change materially, and before making irreversible commitments.

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