Compare what each account leaves you after tax, using your tax rate today and your best guess for retirement.
A Roth account is taxed now and withdrawn tax-free later, while a traditional account gives a tax break now and is taxed when you withdraw. Broadly, Roth tends to win if your tax rate in retirement will be higher than today, and traditional if it will be lower.
Educational only, not financial advice. This tool gives estimates based on what you enter and the stated assumptions. It is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Talk to a licensed professional before you make decisions. Everything is calculated in your browser, and nothing you type or upload leaves your device.
It mostly comes down to your tax rate now versus in retirement. If you expect a higher rate later, Roth tends to come out ahead; if lower, traditional tends to. If they are about equal, the results are close.
Nobody knows for sure. Try a few rates in the calculator. Some people split contributions between both types to hedge.
Often, yes, within the combined annual limits. Income limits and plan rules apply, so check the current IRS rules for your accounts.
Use the tax rate you enter as your combined rate. If you expect to move states in retirement, factor that into the rate you choose.