Roth vs. Traditional Calculator
Compare three contribution mixes, planned retirement drawdowns, RMD pressure, and an optional Roth conversion through age 95.
Blueprint Step 7 calculator
Use the same gross savings budget in every scenario. Roth contributions are reduced by the entered current tax rate; Traditional deposits use the full gross share.
Eligibility and timeline
Direct Roth IRA eligibility: Full direct Roth eligibility. The entered 2026 MAGI is at or below the phaseout starting point for this filing status.
Balances, contributions, and drawdown
Gross split: $3,000 Roth budget and $3,000 Traditional deposit. The actual Roth deposit is reduced by current tax.
Optional one-time Roth conversion
- 50% Roth mix · modeled after-tax ending value
- $602,631
- Cumulative contributions
- $163,680
- Cumulative distributions
- $1,189,424
- Additional RMD pressure
- $0
- Cumulative estimated taxes
- $186,436
- Ending Roth
- $487,808
- Ending Traditional
- $147,209
Balance and drawdown through age 95
All three views use the same primary balance domain and the same secondary distribution/tax domain.
Educational estimate using flat marginal rates and current 2026 rules. It does not model tax brackets, state tax, Social Security, Medicare IRMAA, ACA credits, inheritance, every Roth five-year rule, or spouse-specific RMD tables. Direct Roth eligibility applies to IRA contributions and does not prohibit workplace Roth contributions.
These tools are provided for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, tax, legal, or planning advice. Results are estimates based on the assumptions you provide, and actual outcomes may differ. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Consider consulting a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
How to read this chart
Use the balance line for remaining assets and the bars for planned distributions and RMD pressure. Compare cumulative taxes with modeled after-tax ending value—not ending balance alone.
Blueprint Step 7
Supports these Blueprint lessons
Enter current balances and one gross savings budget, choose a Roth mix, and optionally model one conversion before comparing all three scenarios.
Turn this estimate into a plan
Build a free My Money Plan that turns today's numbers into a roadmap for debt payoff, cash reserves, savings goals, and long-term independence.