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Roth vs. traditional calculator
Using the same pre-tax dollars, traditional and Roth land in the same place when the marginal rates match. Traditional wins the simplified model when the retirement rate is lower. Roth wins when it is higher.
Arc · Published September 18, 2026 · Updated September 18, 2026
Assumptions
- Same pre-tax dollars. Equal rates produce equal after-tax outcomes.
- Ignores income limits, state tax, RMDs, and Roth contribution caps.
Traditional, after tax
$372,271
Traditional is ahead in this simplified model.
Roth balance
$362,726
Annual Roth deposit $7,600 from the same pre-tax budget.
The model ignores income limits, state tax, required minimum distributions, and the fact that Roth contributions are capped in after-tax dollars. It is a rate illustration.
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Educational estimate only. Not tax, legal, or investment advice, and not a prediction of what your accounts will do. Methodology