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401(k) vs Roth 401(k) Calculator

Compare Traditional and Roth 401(k) scenarios two ways -- equal dollar deferrals, and equal take-home-pay cost -- while treating employer matching dollars as pre-tax in both paths.

Quick answer: Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce taxable income today; Roth 401(k) contributions trade that deduction for tax-free qualified withdrawals later. The better choice depends on current versus future tax rates.

SWReviewed by SwitchWize Research Desk · Last reviewed July 17, 2026

Traditional 401(k) After-Tax at Withdrawal

$1,573,636

Traditional 401(k) After-Tax at Withdrawal

$1,573,636

Annual Employer Match

$6,600

Traditional 401(k) Value (pre-tax)

$1,967,045

Roth Scenario After-Tax Value

$1,883,556

Side-by-side comparison

Annual Employer Match: $6,600Traditional 401(k) Value (pre-tax): $1,967,045Traditional 401(k) After-Tax at Withdrawal: $1,573,636Roth Scenario After-Tax Value: $1,883,556

Signed Roth Difference vs Traditional

$309,920

Signed Traditional Difference vs Roth

-$309,920

Illustrative Current Tax Savings (Traditional)

$5,880

Traditional Contribution at Equal Take-Home Cost

$24,500

Traditional 401(k) After-Tax at Withdrawal (Equal Cash Cost)

$1,573,636

Signed Roth Difference vs Traditional (Equal Cash Cost)

$309,920

Equal-Cost-Mode Margin (% of Larger Balance)

16.45%

Diagnostic

Under equal dollar contributions, Roth comes out ahead by $309,920 after 25 years.

But that comparison doesn't credit Traditional with its current-year tax savings. Under equal take-home-pay cost instead, the signed Roth-minus-traditional difference is $309,920 -- about 16.45% of the larger ending balance, so a small number here means this is a close call, not a clear winner -- test which framing matches how you'd actually treat the tax savings.

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What to do next

Under equal contributions, Roth comes out ahead by $309,920. Check the equal-cash-cost comparison too. It credits Traditional with its current-year deduction and often narrows or flips this.

Your action plan

1
Compare the leading option against your current setup
Compare equal 2026 employee deferrals while treating employer matching dollars as pre-tax in both paths.
2
Check the assumptions before using the result for a high-stakes decision
Assumptions change the answer, especially when rates, taxes, or timing matter.
3
Save the result to Money Map or use the linked next action
Turn the result into a prioritized action instead of treating it as a one-off number.

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This is an educational estimate, not tax, legal, investment, or lending advice. Tax rules, rates, and eligibility change and depend on your full situation. Confirm with a qualified professional or the provider before acting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

What does the 401(k) vs Roth 401(k) Calculator show?

Compare Traditional and Roth 401(k) scenarios two ways -- equal dollar deferrals, and equal take-home-pay cost -- while treating employer matching dollars as pre-tax in both paths.

How should I use the result?

Use the result as a planning and comparison aid. Review the assumptions, adjust your inputs, and compare the output with your actual options before acting.

What should I do after using this calculator?

Use the related links and next-action modules on the page to compare products, continue in Money Map, or review related guidance on SwitchWize.

Is the 401(k) vs Roth 401(k) Calculator free to use?

Yes. SwitchWize calculators are free, and you do not need an account to run scenarios or view the result.

Does using the 401(k) vs Roth 401(k) Calculator affect my credit score?

No. Using a calculator does not trigger a credit check. A credit impact can occur only if you apply directly with a lender, card issuer, or provider.

Are the results personalized financial advice?

No. Calculator outputs are educational estimates based on the inputs you enter. Review assumptions and confirm terms directly with providers before making a financial decision.

What should I do after seeing the result?

Use the recommendation module on this page to compare top ira accounts, or run Money Map to compare this investing & retirement decision with your other opportunities.

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Can Money Map use this result?

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