See what steady IRA contributions can grow to by retirement.
An IRA calculator projects the future value of your individual retirement account from your current balance, annual contributions, time horizon, and expected return.
An IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement account you open yourself. A traditional IRA may deduct contributions now and taxes withdrawals later; a Roth IRA takes after-tax contributions and pays out tax-free in retirement. Roth generally wins if you expect a higher tax rate later. Both let investments grow without annual tax drag, which powers long-term compounding.
The IRS sets an annual IRA limit that changes over time, with a catch-up amount at 50 and older, and Roth eligibility phases out at higher incomes. The keys to growth are contributing consistently, ideally the maximum, and starting early so compounding has time to work. Small annual contributions can grow into a large balance over decades.
Traditional may deduct contributions now and taxes withdrawals later; Roth uses after-tax money and pays out tax-free. Roth wins if your future rate is higher.
The IRS sets an annual limit (around $7,000 in 2025, plus a $1,000 catch-up at 50+). Roth contributions phase out at higher incomes.
If you can, yes, consistent maximum contributions plus early starts drive the most growth thanks to compounding.
See the exact formula and a worked example on our methodology page.