Complete guide
IRA calculator for retirement contributions and growth
Enter your age, IRA balance, planned annual contribution, return, fees and inflation. Calculator24 projects every year through retirement and separates deposits from investment growth.
How the IRA projection works
The calculator compounds the current balance once per modeled year and applies the same planned contribution at the beginning or end of that year.
IRA growth formula
The net modeled return is the entered investment return minus annual fees.
end timing: Bₙ=Bₙ₋₁(1+r)+Cbeginning timing: Bₙ=(Bₙ₋₁+C)(1+r)2026 contribution context
IRS Publication 590-A states that the 2026 IRA contribution limit is $7,500, or $8,600 for an individual age 50 or older. Eligibility and Roth or deductible traditional IRA limits also depend on income and circumstances.
Traditional and Roth balances
The same account balance can have different after-tax meaning. Traditional distributions may be taxable; qualified Roth distributions can receive different treatment. This tool does not estimate withdrawal tax.
Return, fees and inflation
Investment returns vary and can be negative. Fees reduce the assumed growth rate, while the inflation-adjusted result translates the future balance into today's modeled purchasing power.
2026 IRA contribution reference
| Age | 2026 general limit |
|---|---|
| Under 50 | $7,500 |
| 50 or older | $8,600 |
Frequently asked questions
Does this enforce IRA contribution eligibility?
No. Income, compensation and filing circumstances can change the amount permitted or deductible.
Does it model a Roth IRA?
It projects account growth but does not estimate Roth eligibility or tax treatment.
Are fees included?
Yes. The entered annual fee rate is subtracted from the modeled return.
Why show inflation-adjusted value?
It estimates the future balance in today's purchasing power under the entered inflation rate.
Are returns guaranteed?
No. The rate is a scenario, and actual investments can gain or lose value.
What to keep in mind
This is a growth projection, not tax, investment or eligibility advice. Verify annual contribution and deduction limits with the IRS.
Results display up to 8 decimal places; exported numbers preserve calculation precision. This is a calculation summary, not an official certificate.