How to use the IRA Calculator
Estimate balance at age 65 from current balance, annual before tax contribution, expected rate of return with the IRA Calculator. It includes Balance at age 65, Balance at age 65 (after tax) workflows, so choose the one that matches the values you actually know. Use it as a planning baseline, then compare the estimate with current rates, fees, taxes, and provider terms.
Step by step
- For the IRA example, select Balance at age 65 and enter current balance, annual before tax contribution, expected rate of return, current age, retirement age, and the remaining settings listed in the worked example. Keep each value in the unit displayed beside its field.
- Review the selected IRA workflow and inputs, then read balance at age 65 in the result panel.
- Change one IRA assumption at a time to compare scenarios. Use Reset to restore this tool's worked example values.
How the calculation works
Projects entered contributions and applies the entered retirement tax rate; the default contribution is the 2026 IRA limit.
Worked example
To reproduce the IRA worked example, reset the calculator. Select the Balance at age 65 workflow. Use current balance $25,000; annual before tax contribution $7,500; expected rate of return 7 %; current age 35 years; retirement age 65 years; current marginal tax rate 24 %; expected tax rate in retirement 20 %. The result is balance at age 65 of $898,762.27. Tax-deferred balance: $898,762.27. Review the displayed units before comparing the result.
Understanding the result
The IRA reports balance at age 65. Use it as a planning baseline, then compare the estimate with current rates, fees, taxes, and provider terms. U.S. retirement-planning estimate only. Compensation eligibility, combined IRA limits, deduction or Roth phaseouts, excess contributions, tax treatment, and future law can change the result.
How to check the answer
Check the IRA result by entering the same current balance, annual before tax contribution, expected rate of return in an independent statement, lender, provider, or official tool. Change one input and confirm that balance at age 65 moves in the direction implied by Projects entered contributions and applies the entered retirement tax rate; the default contribution is the 2026 IRA limit.
Common questions
What does the IRA calculate?
Estimate balance at age 65 from current balance, annual before tax contribution, expected rate of return with the IRA Calculator.
Which inputs does the IRA example use?
The worked example uses current balance, annual before tax contribution, expected rate of return, current age, retirement age, and the remaining settings listed in the worked example in the Balance at age 65 workflow. Other workflows can show different fields. Keep the chosen workflow and units with the result when comparing calculations.
Is the IRA result exact?
U.S. retirement-planning estimate only. Compensation eligibility, combined IRA limits, deduction or Roth phaseouts, excess contributions, tax treatment, and future law can change the result. Recheck current balance, annual before tax contribution, expected rate of return and use balance at age 65 only for a decision where that level of precision is appropriate.