Roth conversion ladder

Convert traditional dollars each year, wait five years, then spend that conversion principal (plus true Roth contributions) until 59½ — without treating new conversions as instantly withdrawable.

Educational estimate only — not tax, legal, investment, or financial advice. Results depend on simplified assumptions; see Methodology. Numbers are stored in your browser only unless you export them. Educational model: each conversion seasons after five years; earnings stay locked until 59½. Conversion tax is a flat rate paid from brokerage. For fill-to-bracket planning on a full household path, use Roth conversions.

Ages and spend

Current ageRetire / start drawingBridge ends at ageUsually 59½Annual spend in bridgeToday’s $ — inflated each yearInflation %Return %

Accounts

Traditional IRA / 401(k)Roth balanceRoth contribution basisTrue contributions — available nowBrokerage (for tax + spend)

Conversion schedule

Convert $/yearStart conversions at ageEnd conversions at ageLast conversion seasons 5 years laterConversion tax rate %Paid from brokerage

Ladder result

Bridge funded through age 59.5 with accessible Roth + brokerage.

Total converted: $200,000
Est. conversion tax: $44,000
Total shortfall: $0
Accessible Roth at end: $255,000
Traditional left: $1,379,382
Brokerage left: $17,342

Year by year

Age	Convert	Spend	From Roth	Accessible	Shortfall
50	$40,000	—	—	$55,000	—
51	$40,000	—	—	$55,000	—
52	$40,000	—	—	$55,000	—
53	$40,000	—	—	$55,000	—
54	$40,000	—	—	$55,000	—
55	—	$56,570	—	$95,000	—
56	—	$57,985	—	$135,000	—
57	—	$59,434	—	$175,000	—
58	—	$60,920	—	$215,000	—
59	—	$62,443	—	$255,000	—

How a Roth conversion ladder works

Each conversion has its own five-year clock. After five years you can withdraw that conversion’s principal penalty-free even before 59½. True Roth contributions are available immediately. Earnings on either stay locked until 59½ (this tool does not spend earnings in the bridge).

Start conversions at least five years before you need the money.
Pay conversion tax from brokerage when you can — withholding from the conversion shrinks the ladder rung.
Watch ACA MAGI and IRMAA if you convert large amounts — see the ACA cliff and IRMAA tools.
The planner’s Roth conversion page now respects the same 5-year clocks instead of treating conversions as contributions.

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