Retirement Account Comparison Calculator

Compare 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), Traditional IRA, and Roth IRA side by side.

401(k)

$24,500.00

403(b)

$24,500.00

457(b)

$24,500.00

Traditional IRA

$7,500.00

Roth IRA

$7,500.00

Account Comparison

401(k)
Contribution Limit$24,500.00
Tax NowPre-tax
Tax on WithdrawalTaxed
Employer MatchYes
RMD Age73
403(b)
Contribution Limit$24,500.00
Tax NowPre-tax
Tax on WithdrawalTaxed
Employer MatchYes
RMD Age73
457(b)
Contribution Limit$24,500.00
Tax NowPre-tax
Tax on WithdrawalTaxed
Employer MatchRare
RMD Age73
Traditional IRA
Contribution Limit$7,500.00
Tax NowDeductible
Tax on WithdrawalTaxed
Employer MatchNo
RMD Age73
Roth IRA
Contribution Limit$7,500.00
Tax NowAfter-tax
Tax on WithdrawalTax-free
Employer MatchNo
RMD AgeNone

Use the Retirement Account Comparison Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

A Retirement Account Comparison Calculator helps you evaluate different retirement savings options by comparing their projected growth, tax implications, and final balances over time. With 2026 contribution limits reaching $23,500 for 401(k)s and $7,000 for IRAs, understanding which accounts maximize your retirement savings is crucial for long-term financial success.

The calculator uses compound interest formulas to project account growth, applying different tax treatments for traditional vs. Roth accounts, employer matching scenarios, and varying contribution limits. It factors in your current tax bracket, expected retirement tax bracket, and time horizon to calculate the after-tax value of each account type at retirement.

Remember that traditional accounts provide immediate tax deductions but require taxes on withdrawals, while Roth accounts use after-tax dollars but grow tax-free. Don't overlook employer 401(k) matching as it provides an immediate 100% return on your contribution. Consider your expected tax bracket in retirement, as this significantly impacts which account type will be more beneficial.

Comparing $500 Monthly Contributions: 401(k) vs Roth IRA Over 25 Years

  1. 1 A 35-year-old in the 22% tax bracket can contribute $500 monthly to either a traditional 401(k) or Roth IRA, both earning 7% annual returns over 25 years until age 60.
  2. 2 The 401(k) receives the full $500 monthly ($6,000 annually), while the Roth IRA receives $500 from after-tax income (equivalent to $641 pre-tax income). Total contributions: 401(k) = $150,000, Roth IRA = $150,000 after-tax.
  3. 3 After 25 years of compound growth at 7%, the 401(k) balance reaches $406,343 (pre-tax), while the Roth IRA grows to $406,343 (tax-free).
  4. 4 Assuming the same 22% tax bracket in retirement, the 401(k) provides $316,947 after taxes, while the Roth IRA provides the full $406,343 tax-free. The Roth IRA advantage: $89,396 more in retirement income, demonstrating the power of tax-free growth.

Source: IRS · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA?
A 401(k) is employer-sponsored with higher contribution limits ($24,500 in 2026) and possible employer matching. An IRA is individual with lower limits ($7,000 in 2026) but more investment options. You can have both, and contributing to each provides maximum tax-advantaged savings.
Should I choose a Traditional or Roth retirement account?
Choose Traditional if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket in retirement, as you get a tax deduction now and pay taxes later. Choose Roth if you expect a higher bracket later, since you pay taxes now but withdrawals are tax-free. If unsure, splitting contributions between both provides tax diversification.
Can I contribute to multiple retirement accounts?
Yes. You can contribute to both a 401(k) and an IRA in the same year, each up to their own limits. If your employer offers both a 403(b) and a 457(b), you can max out both. Total contributions across 401(k), 403(b), and similar plans share one $24,500 limit, but 457(b) has its own separate limit.

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