Roth vs Traditional 401(k) Calculator
Should you contribute pre-tax to a Traditional 401(k) or after-tax to a Roth 401(k)? Compare both options side by side based on your current tax rate, expected retirement tax rate, contribution amount, and time horizon to see which leaves you with more spendable income.
Inputs
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Results
Roth 401(k) After-Tax
$1,353,529
Traditional After-Tax
$1,386,014
Winner
Traditional
Difference
$32,485
After-Tax Retirement Value
Balance Growth Comparison
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | Traditional Balance | Roth Balance | Taxable Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,400.00 | $21,400.00 | $5,136.00 |
| 2 | $44,298.00 | $44,298.00 | $10,631.52 |
| 3 | $68,798.86 | $68,798.86 | $16,511.73 |
| 4 | $95,014.78 | $95,014.78 | $22,803.55 |
| 5 | $123,065.81 | $123,065.81 | $29,535.80 |
| 6 | $153,080.42 | $153,080.42 | $36,739.30 |
| 7 | $185,196.05 | $185,196.05 | $44,447.05 |
| 8 | $219,559.77 | $219,559.77 | $52,694.35 |
| 9 | $256,328.96 | $256,328.96 | $61,518.95 |
| 10 | $295,671.99 | $295,671.99 | $70,961.28 |
| 11 | $337,769.03 | $337,769.03 | $81,064.57 |
| 12 | $382,812.86 | $382,812.86 | $91,875.09 |