Traditional IRA Calculator
How can contributing to a regular IRA help you in your retirement?
How the traditional ira calculator works
It compounds your balance and contributions tax-deferred to retirement, then applies your expected withdrawal tax rate, since traditional IRA withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income.
Worked example: with current ira balance of $15,000, annual contribution of $7,000 and years until retirement of 30, the traditional ira calculator shows balance in 30 years of $821,695.
- Total contributions
- $225,000
- Tax-deferred growth
- $596,695
- Pre-tax balance
- $821,695
- After-tax value
- $640,922
The formula
Each year: balance = (balance + contribution) × (1 + return). After-tax value = ending balance × (1 − withdrawal tax rate).
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Confirm exact figures with your lender, plan administrator or advisor.
Questions about the traditional ira calculator
How is a traditional IRA taxed?
Contributions may be deductible now and growth is tax-deferred, but every withdrawal in retirement is taxed as ordinary income — which the after-tax figure reflects.
Traditional or Roth IRA?
Traditional favours those who expect a lower tax rate in retirement than today; Roth favours the reverse. The after-tax value here helps you compare.
Are there required withdrawals?
Yes — traditional IRAs have required minimum distributions starting in your 70s, unlike Roth IRAs. Plan for them when projecting retirement income.
Is the Traditional IRA Calculator free to use?
Yes. Every calculator on FinCalculators is completely free, with no sign-up, login or paywall. You can run as many scenarios as you like.