Ekuation

calculation type

Traditional vs. Roth 401(k) Calculator

Compare the tax benefits of Traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions based on your current and future tax rates.

Back to 401(k) Retirement Calculator

Compare the long-term tax implications of Traditional (pre-tax) vs. Roth (after-tax) contributions.

Your Information

Enter your personal financial information

Your current age is used to determine the number of years until retirement.

years

The age at which you plan to retire. This determines the investment horizon.

years

The total amount currently saved in your 401(k) account(s).

$
$

Contribution Settings

Configure your 401(k) contribution details

%

e.g., 50% = 50¢ per $1 you contribute; 100% = dollar-for-dollar. Check your HR portal or offer letter.

%

The maximum percentage of your salary that your employer will match (e.g., up to 6% of your salary).

%

The expected annual percentage increase in your contributions, often tied to salary increases.

%

Number of years required to work at the company before employer contributions are fully yours.

years

Investment Settings

Set your investment return expectations and preferences

%

The anticipated average annual rate of inflation, used to calculate real returns.

%

Your general comfort level with investment risk. This can influence suggested asset allocations.

Contribution Type

Configure your contribution type preferences

Choose how your contributions are taxed.

Percentage of your total contribution allocated to the Traditional (Pre-tax) 401(k). The remainder goes to Roth.

%

Tax Settings

Configure current and future tax rates for comparison

Your current combined federal and state marginal tax rate.

%

Your estimated combined marginal tax rate during retirement.

%
401(k) Tips

Click to show tips

Try an Example

Pick a scenario to see how the calculator works, then adjust the values

Young Professional

A 30-year-old starting to build their retirement savings with a solid employer match.

Key values: Age 30 to 65 · $75K salary · 10% contribution

Aggressive Saver

A high earner maximizing contributions to retire early with a large nest egg.

Key values: Age 35 to 60 · $150K salary · 20% contribution

Mid-Career Catch-Up

A 50-year-old leveraging catch-up contributions to boost retirement savings.

Key values: Age 50 to 67 · $100K salary · 15% contribution

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