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Tax Strategy

Traditional vs Roth Calculator

Compare the projected after-tax value of Traditional and Roth IRA-style contributions.

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Models your current plan in plain English.

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Tax & Withdrawals

Traditional vs Roth Calculator

Compare the projected after-tax value of Traditional and Roth IRA-style contributions.

Snapshot
Traditional may provide the stronger after-tax outcome under these assumptions.
Using the same pretax savings budget, Roth contributions net down to $5,320 per year after current taxes while Traditional contributions stay pretax until retirement.
Roth after tax
$359,132
Traditional after tax
$387,484
Your Numbers
Annual account contribution.
$
Annual return
Nominal annual portfolio growth assumption.
7
Years
Projection length.
25
Current tax rate
Marginal tax rate today.
24
Retirement tax rate
Expected effective rate later.
18
Results
Traditional may provide the stronger after-tax outcome under these assumptions.
Using the same pretax savings budget, Roth contributions net down to $5,320 per year after current taxes while Traditional contributions stay pretax until retirement.
Roth after tax
$359,132
Traditional after tax
$387,484
Current tax rate
24.0%
Retirement tax rate
18.0%

After-tax value comparison

Compare the projected after-tax outcome of Roth contributions versus Traditional contributions under the same pretax savings budget.

Projected balance
Total contributions

Optimistic currently leads conservative by about $251,418.

Important findings
What the current inputs suggest
Using the same pretax savings budget, Roth contributions net down to $5,320 per year after current taxes while Traditional contributions stay pretax until retirement.
What changes the result most
Optimistic currently leads conservative by about $251,418, so the outcome is meaningfully sensitive to your assumptions.
How to use this result
Use the headline to frame the decision, then check the supporting metrics and timeline before acting. The output is strongest as a planning tool, not as a guarantee.

How it works

The calculation, without the clutter

1

WealthyNest uses reusable finance formulas for compounding, withdrawal targets, and cash-flow projections.

2

Each tool pairs those formulas with calculator-specific assumptions and a concise summary.

Where this tool is most useful

Tax diversification often matters as much as picking a single winner between Roth and Traditional every year.

Key assumptions

What to sanity-check

  • Returns are smoothed estimates and do not reflect real-world market volatility.
  • All figures are in today's dollars unless the calculator is explicitly modeling inflation adjustments.
  • This tool is intended for planning, education, and comparison rather than certainty.

Companion guide

Roth vs Traditional IRA

Compare when paying tax now may beat a deduction today and when the opposite can be true.

Read the guide

FAQ

Common questions

Are these outputs guarantees?

No. They are planning estimates based on your assumptions and should be updated as markets, taxes, and spending change.

Do these calculators replace professional advice?

No. They are a strong planning starting point, but tax, legal, and investment decisions should be reviewed with a qualified professional when appropriate.

How often should I revisit my inputs?

A good rule is to revisit assumptions after major income, spending, family, tax, or market changes and at least a few times per year.

Why do the optimistic and conservative scenarios matter?

They help you see how sensitive the result is to assumptions instead of anchoring on one exact output.

Traditional vs Roth Calculator | WealthyNest