Roth IRA Calculator – Contribution Limit & Tax-Free Growth

2026 Roth IRA contribution limits

For 2026, you can contribute up to $7,500 to all of your IRAs combined (Roth and traditional), plus an extra $1,100 catch-up contribution if you are 50 or older. You also can't contribute more than your taxable compensation for the year. A spouse with little or no income can still contribute through a spousal IRA if you file jointly.

Roth IRA income limits

Your ability to contribute to a Roth IRA phases out as your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) rises:

• Single and head of household: phase-out between $153,000–$168,000.
• Married filing jointly: phase-out between $242,000–$252,000.
• Married filing separately (and lived with your spouse): phase-out between $0 and $10,000.

Inside the phase-out range, your limit is reduced proportionally, rounded up to the next $10, with a minimum of $200 if you're not fully phased out. Above the range you can't contribute directly — many high earners use a "backdoor" Roth (a nondeductible traditional IRA contribution followed by a conversion), which has its own tax rules worth reviewing with a professional.

Why the Roth IRA is so powerful

Roth contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but qualified withdrawals are completely tax-free — including decades of investment growth. Withdrawals are qualified after age 59½ once the account has been open at least five years. You can withdraw your contributions (not earnings) at any time without tax or penalty, and Roth IRAs have no required minimum distributions during the owner's lifetime.

Roth or traditional?

A traditional IRA or 401(k) gives you a deduction now and taxes withdrawals later; a Roth does the opposite. If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement — common for younger workers early in their careers — the Roth usually comes out ahead. If you're in your peak earning years, a traditional account's deduction may be worth more. Many people split contributions between both for tax diversification. Pair this with our 401(k) calculator to see your full retirement picture.

Worked example

A 35-year-old single filer with a modified AGI of $95,000 is below the phase-out range, so they can contribute the full $7,500. If they invest that amount every year until 65 and earn an average 7% a year, the account could grow to well over $700,000 — and none of it would be taxed when withdrawn in retirement. If the same person earned $160,000, roughly halfway through the single phase-out range, their limit would drop to about half the normal amount. The contribution deadline for a given tax year is the tax-filing deadline the following April, so you have extra time to decide.

Frequently asked questions

Sources & methodology

This calculator was last reviewed on November 2, 2026. Figures are based on the following official and primary sources:

• IRS – Roth IRAs
• IRS – 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit increases to $7,500 (IR-2025-111)

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