Roth vs Traditional Calculator

Pay tax now or pay tax later? Run your numbers through both paths and get a plain-English verdict — the answer is simpler than the internet makes it sound.

Your inputs

Amount to convert / contribute

Your marginal tax rate now As a % — e.g. 24 for 24%

Expected marginal rate in retirement Your best guess — this is the whole game

Expected annual return As a % — e.g. 7 for 7%

Years until withdrawal

Roth after-tax value

—

tax paid now

Traditional after-tax value

—

tax paid at withdrawal

Verdict

—

After-tax value over time

Roth (tax now) Traditional (tax later)

Educational purposes only — not financial or tax advice. Roth conversions are irreversible and can push you into a higher bracket the year you convert. Talk to a tax professional first.