Stock IRA Value Calculator
See how your stock allocation choice shapes your retirement balance.
Quick scenarios:
Projected balance at age 65
$0
Base case (historical average)
Lower bound
$0
Below-average returns
Upper bound
$0
Above-average returns
Assumes 80% stocks, 20% bonds. Values in today's dollars (3% inflation adjusted).
Your saved scenarios
No saved scenarios yet. Adjust the inputs and click "Add to comparison" to save one.
| Label | Age range | Stock % | Base case | Lower bound | Upper bound |
|---|
Understanding your projections
How the model works
This calculator takes your current IRA balance, adds your yearly contribution (capped at the IRS limit for your age), and grows the total each year using a blended return based on your stock and bond mix. We use 10% nominal for stocks and 5% for bonds, then subtract 3% for inflation so you see the result in today's purchasing power.
The lower and upper bounds come from applying one standard deviation of historical volatility: 18% for stocks and 6% for bonds. The lower bound subtracts that volatility from the average return. The upper bound adds it. This is a simplified way to show a range without running thousands of Monte Carlo simulations in the browser.
Contribution limits for 2026
The IRS sets annual IRA contribution limits. For 2026, the limit is $7,000 if you are under age 50. If you are 50 or older, you can contribute an extra $1,000 catch-up, for a total of $8,000. The calculator enforces these limits automatically based on the age you enter. If you type a higher number, it will be capped.
These limits apply to the combined total of all your Traditional and Roth IRA contributions for the year. If you have both types, your total across all accounts cannot exceed the limit.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting inflation. A million dollars in 30 years buys much less than a million today. Our output already adjusts for 3% inflation.
- Assuming straight-line growth. Stocks go up and down. The range shows you the spread, not just the average.
- Ignoring fees. If your IRA charges high expense ratios or advisory fees, your real returns will be lower.
- Setting an unrealistic retirement age. Working longer gives your money more time to compound. Even 2-3 extra years can make a large difference.
What to do next
Try a few different stock allocations and save them to the comparison table. Look at the lower bound for each one. Ask yourself: if the lower bound is what actually happens, will I be okay? If the answer is no, consider saving more each year, working a few years longer, or adjusting your allocation.
This calculator is a starting point, not a full financial plan. For decisions about Roth vs Traditional, Required Minimum Distributions, or tax strategy, talk with a qualified financial planner.
Example: Sarah, age 32
Sarah has $40,000 in her IRA and contributes $7,000 every year. She plans to retire at 67. She is comfortable with some risk and starts with an 85% stock allocation.
Her base case projection shows about $1.2 million in today's dollars. The lower bound, representing a stretch of below-average returns, shows around $520,000. The upper bound shows about $2.4 million.
Sarah looks at the lower bound and decides she wants more cushion. She tests a scenario where she contributes the max every year and reduces her stock allocation to 70% as she gets closer to retirement. She saves both scenarios and compares them side by side. The comparison helps her see that the higher early stock allocation gives a better base case, but the lower bound is not much different if she stays consistent with contributions.
She decides to stay at 85% stocks for now and revisit the calculator each year when she reviews her retirement plan.