IRA Growth Calculator
See how regular IRA contributions can grow over time with monthly compounding.
| Year | Start | Contributions | Growth | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,000 | $7,500 | $1,330 | $23,830 |
| 2 | $23,830 | $7,500 | $1,968 | $33,298 |
| 3 | $33,298 | $7,500 | $2,652 | $43,450 |
| 4 | $43,450 | $7,500 | $3,386 | $54,337 |
| 5 | $54,337 | $7,500 | $4,173 | $66,010 |
| 6 | $66,010 | $7,500 | $5,017 | $78,527 |
| 7 | $78,527 | $7,500 | $5,922 | $91,949 |
| 8 | $91,949 | $7,500 | $6,892 | $106,342 |
| 9 | $106,342 | $7,500 | $7,933 | $121,774 |
| 10 | $121,774 | $7,500 | $9,048 | $138,323 |
| 11 | $138,323 | $7,500 | $10,245 | $156,068 |
| 12 | $156,068 | $7,500 | $11,528 | $175,095 |
| 13 | $175,095 | $7,500 | $12,903 | $195,498 |
| 14 | $195,498 | $7,500 | $14,378 | $217,376 |
| 15 | $217,376 | $7,500 | $15,960 | $240,836 |
| 16 | $240,836 | $7,500 | $17,655 | $265,991 |
| 17 | $265,991 | $7,500 | $19,474 | $292,965 |
| 18 | $292,965 | $7,500 | $21,424 | $321,889 |
| 19 | $321,889 | $7,500 | $23,515 | $352,903 |
| 20 | $352,903 | $7,500 | $25,757 | $386,160 |
| 21 | $386,160 | $7,500 | $28,161 | $421,821 |
| 22 | $421,821 | $7,500 | $30,739 | $460,060 |
| 23 | $460,060 | $7,500 | $33,503 | $501,063 |
| 24 | $501,063 | $7,500 | $36,467 | $545,030 |
| 25 | $545,030 | $7,500 | $39,646 | $592,176 |
| 26 | $592,176 | $7,500 | $43,054 | $642,730 |
| 27 | $642,730 | $7,500 | $46,708 | $696,938 |
| 28 | $696,938 | $7,500 | $50,627 | $755,065 |
| 29 | $755,065 | $7,500 | $54,829 | $817,394 |
| 30 | $817,394 | $7,500 | $59,335 | $884,229 |
How it's calculated
Your IRA balance compounds monthly, with each contribution added at the end of the month. The longer the money stays invested, the more of the final balance comes from growth rather than the dollars you put in.
For example, $10,000 invested at a 7% annual return with monthly compounding grows to $20,096.61 in 10 years, roughly doubling on its own. Contributing near the annual maximum on top of that compounds the effect year after year.
Whether that growth is ever taxed depends on the account type. A Roth IRA grows and is withdrawn tax-free in retirement, while a Traditional IRA grows tax-deferred and is taxed when you withdraw. This calculator projects the balance itself. The Roth Conversion calculator handles the tax side.
Assumptions
- Returns compound monthly, and contributions are made at month end.
- Does not enforce annual IRA contribution limits, so enter your own amount.
Last updated: 2026-08-07
These assumptions follow our general methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Does this handle Roth vs Traditional taxes?
This tool projects pre-tax growth. Use the Roth Conversion calculator to compare the tax treatment of a Traditional versus Roth IRA.
What is the IRA contribution limit for 2026?
It is $7,500 a year, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older, which includes a $1,100 catch-up. That is a combined limit across all of your IRAs, not per account.
Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA?
Yes. The limits are separate, so you can do both in the same year. If you or a spouse is covered by a workplace plan, the deductibility of a Traditional IRA can phase out at higher incomes, though Roth or non-deductible contributions may still be allowed.
Traditional or Roth IRA, which is better?
Roth generally wins if you expect a higher tax rate in retirement than you have today. Traditional wins if you expect a lower rate. The Roth Conversion calculator can help you compare.