Roth 401(k) vs. Traditional 401(k) Calculator

Compare what your 401(k) contributions may be worth at retirement under each account type. See how your current and expected retirement tax brackets affect which option builds more after-tax wealth — including the impact of investing Traditional tax savings separately.

401(k) comparison results update automatically as values change. Use the View Results button to jump to the results section.

Contributions & Growth

Tax Brackets

Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income now; Roth 401(k) contributions are made after-tax but grow and withdraw completely tax-free. Employer matching contributions are always pre-tax and do not affect this comparison.

Roth 401(k) balance at retirement

$0

Enter values above to preview the estimate.

401(k) comparison

Review the projected balances, after-tax values, and tax advantage for each account type below.

Roth 401(k) balance

$0

Entirely tax-free at withdrawal

Traditional 401(k) after-tax

$0

After retirement taxes

Roth advantage

$0

Same contribution, different tax timing

Annual Traditional tax savings

$0

Current-year deduction benefit

Traditional + savings invested

$0

Best-case Traditional scenario

Net Roth advantage

$0

Roth vs. Traditional + savings

Enter contribution and tax details above to generate a comparison.

This calculator assumes the same annual contribution to both account types and a fixed annual return. Traditional 401(k) tax savings are modeled as invested annually in a taxable account at an after-tax return. Results do not account for employer matching, contribution limits (2025 limit: $23,500; $31,000 if age 50+), state income taxes, required minimum distributions, investment fees, or future tax law changes. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making retirement planning decisions.