Roth IRA Growth Calculator
Free Roth IRA growth calculator: estimate savings from a starting balance, annual contributions and a hypothetical return, with a chart and year-by-year breakdown.
Estimate your Roth IRA savings
Contributions are added at year-end. Age is used only for the current-year IRA contribution-cap check.
Projected balance: $531,784
Starting balance: $10,000 · New contributions: $180,000 · Investment growth: $341,784
Year-by-year projection
| Year | Starting balance | Growth | Contribution | Ending balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10,000 | $600 | $6,000 | $16,600 |
| 2 | $16,600 | $996 | $6,000 | $23,596 |
| 3 | $23,596 | $1,416 | $6,000 | $31,012 |
| 4 | $31,012 | $1,861 | $6,000 | $38,872 |
| 5 | $38,872 | $2,332 | $6,000 | $47,205 |
| 6 | $47,205 | $2,832 | $6,000 | $56,037 |
| 7 | $56,037 | $3,362 | $6,000 | $65,399 |
| 8 | $65,399 | $3,924 | $6,000 | $75,323 |
| 9 | $75,323 | $4,519 | $6,000 | $85,843 |
| 10 | $85,843 | $5,151 | $6,000 | $96,993 |
| 11 | $96,993 | $5,820 | $6,000 | $108,813 |
| 12 | $108,813 | $6,529 | $6,000 | $121,342 |
| 13 | $121,342 | $7,280 | $6,000 | $134,622 |
| 14 | $134,622 | $8,077 | $6,000 | $148,699 |
| 15 | $148,699 | $8,922 | $6,000 | $163,621 |
| 16 | $163,621 | $9,817 | $6,000 | $179,439 |
| 17 | $179,439 | $10,766 | $6,000 | $196,205 |
| 18 | $196,205 | $11,772 | $6,000 | $213,977 |
| 19 | $213,977 | $12,839 | $6,000 | $232,816 |
| 20 | $232,816 | $13,969 | $6,000 | $252,785 |
| 21 | $252,785 | $15,167 | $6,000 | $273,952 |
| 22 | $273,952 | $16,437 | $6,000 | $296,389 |
| 23 | $296,389 | $17,783 | $6,000 | $320,172 |
| 24 | $320,172 | $19,210 | $6,000 | $345,383 |
| 25 | $345,383 | $20,723 | $6,000 | $372,106 |
| 26 | $372,106 | $22,326 | $6,000 | $400,432 |
| 27 | $400,432 | $24,026 | $6,000 | $430,458 |
| 28 | $430,458 | $25,827 | $6,000 | $462,286 |
| 29 | $462,286 | $27,737 | $6,000 | $496,023 |
| 30 | $496,023 | $29,761 | $6,000 | $531,784 |
How to calculate Roth IRA growth
Enter the amount already invested, your planned yearly contribution, the number of years, and a hypothetical annual return after fees. The calculator grows the starting balance for one year and then adds the contribution. It repeats that process until the final year, and separates money you add from investment growth.
The formula is FV = B(1 + r)ⁿ + C × [(1 + r)ⁿ − 1] / r, where B is the starting balance, C is the annual contribution, r is the annual return as a decimal, and n is the number of years. When r is zero, use FV = B + Cn. The year-by-year table makes the timing of each deposit visible.
For a one-year example, a $10,000 balance at 6% earns $600. Adding $6,000 at the end of the year produces $16,600. After a second identical year, the balance is $23,596. Monthly or beginning-of-year deposits would have different results because the new money has more time to earn a return.
2026 Roth IRA contribution limits
The combined contribution cap across your traditional and Roth IRAs is $7,500 for 2026, plus $1,100 if you are age 50 or older at year-end. The total cannot exceed eligible taxable compensation, and Roth IRA income rules can reduce or eliminate the amount you may contribute. The age field checks only this dollar cap; it does not calculate your income eligibility.
These figures were checked against the IRS 2026 limits announcement on 2026-10-12. See the IRS Roth IRA rules for eligibility and distribution requirements. Future contribution limits are unknown; this illustration uses your fixed dollar contribution each year.
What the projection includes
- A constant hypothetical annual return after fees, including negative returns if entered.
- The same contribution at every year-end, with no employer match.
- A balance chart and annual table using the same calculation as the result.
It excludes withdrawals, inflation, changing returns, and future changes to contribution rules. Contributions to a Roth IRA are not deductible. Qualified distributions may be tax-free when IRS requirements are met; the calculator does not determine whether a future withdrawal qualifies. A projected balance is not a guarantee or a recommendation about investments.
Related retirement calculators
For a workplace contribution percentage and employer match, use the 401(k) calculator. Read 401(k) vs Roth IRA to compare the separate limits and tax treatment, or use the withdrawal calculator to explore how a saved balance could support regular withdrawals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Roth IRA growth calculated?
Each year, the starting balance earns the annual return you enter, then the annual contribution is added at year-end. The same fixed return and contribution are used throughout the projection.
How much can I contribute in 2026?
The combined annual contribution cap for traditional and Roth IRAs is $7,500, or $8,600 at age 50 or older. Taxable compensation and Roth IRA income rules can reduce your allowed amount. This tool does not determine eligibility.
Are the projected earnings guaranteed?
No. This is a constant-return illustration. Investment returns can vary and can be negative. The projection excludes inflation, withdrawals, and changes in tax or contribution rules.
Can I have both a 401(k) and a Roth IRA?
You can contribute to both if you meet the applicable rules. The workplace-plan employee deferral limit is separate from the combined traditional/Roth IRA contribution limit. Roth IRA eligibility depends on income and filing status.