About the Gold IRA Calculator
This gold IRA calculator projects what a self-directed precious metals IRA could be worth, and — just as importantly — how much of the growth is lost to costs that a regular IRA invested in funds does not have. Gold IRAs typically charge a one-time setup fee, an annual custodian or admin fee and an annual depository storage fee, and the metal itself is bought from a dealer at a markup over spot and later sold back at a discount.
Enter a starting balance (for example a rollover from a 401(k)), any yearly contribution, the number of years, an assumed annual gold price growth rate and the fees you have been quoted. The calculator compares the projected after-sale value with a frictionless account growing at the same rate, and reports your effective annual return.
For 2026 the IRS limit on new IRA contributions is $7,500 ($8,600 if you are 50 or older); rollovers and transfers do not count toward it. Under IRC § 408(m), an IRA may hold only approved bullion and certain coins, and the metal must be held by the trustee or an approved depository — not at home. Growth rates are assumptions, not forecasts.
With the default inputs, the value after selling the metal is $249,318.58. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the gold ira calculator
- 1Enter your starting balance or rollover amount and any yearly contribution.
- 2Choose how many years you plan to hold and an assumed gold growth rate.
- 3Enter the dealer markup and the setup, admin and storage fees from your quote.
- 4Add the buy-back discount you expect when the metal is sold.
- 5Compare the after-sale value and effective return with the no-fee line.
Formula and method
The starting balance, less the setup fee, buys metal at spot plus the dealer markup m, so only Balance ÷ (1 + m) of spot value lands in the account. Each year’s contribution C is added at the start of the year and is also marked up. The metal then grows at the assumed gold price rate g, and the annual custodian and storage fees are paid at year end by selling metal. When you finally sell, the dealer pays spot minus the sell spread s.
The no-fee comparison grows the same deposits at the same rate with no markup, fees or spread, so the difference is the total cost of holding gold this way. The effective annual return is the internal rate of return of your deposits (at the start of each year) against the after-sale value at the end, which you can compare with the assumed gold growth rate or with a regular IRA.
- C
- Yearly contribution
- m
- Dealer markup over spot on purchases
- g
- Assumed annual gold price growth
- s
- Discount below spot on the final sale
Worked examples
$50k rollover plus $7,500 a year for 15 years at 5%
You put in $162,500. With a 5% markup on every purchase, $275 a year in fees and a 2% sell spread, the account is worth about $249,319 after the metal is sold — $24,559 less than the same deposits growing at 5% with no costs, for an effective return of about 4.12% a year.
$100k rollover, no contributions, 10 years at 6%
After the $100 setup fee, $99,900 buys $96,990 of metal at a 3% markup. Growing at 6% minus $300 a year in fees and selling at 1% under spot leaves about $168,043 — an effective 5.33% a year versus 6% for gold itself.
Higher markup: $20k plus $8,600 a year for 20 years at 4%
An 8% markup on every purchase and a 3% exit spread add up: the account ends near $270,132, about $40,025 below a no-cost account, and the effective return falls to roughly 2.88% a year from the assumed 4%.
Frequently asked questions
What fees does a gold IRA charge?+
Common costs are a one-time account setup fee, an annual custodian or administration fee, an annual depository storage and insurance fee, the dealer’s markup over spot when metal is bought, and a discount below spot when it is sold. Ask for every fee in writing before opening an account.
Can I keep my gold IRA metal at home?+
No. Under IRC § 408(m) the bullion must be in the physical possession of the IRA trustee (an approved depository). Taking possession yourself is treated as a distribution, which can trigger income tax and possibly the 10% early-withdrawal penalty.
What metals can a gold IRA hold?+
IRS Publication 590-A allows U.S. gold coins in 1, 1/2, 1/4 and 1/10 ounce sizes, one-ounce U.S. silver coins, certain platinum coins, and gold, silver, palladium and platinum bullion meeting minimum fineness standards. Collectible coins, gems and most other coins are not allowed.
How much can I contribute to a gold IRA in 2026?+
A gold IRA follows normal IRA limits: $7,500 for 2026, or $8,600 if you are 50 or older, combined across all your traditional and Roth IRAs. Rollovers and direct transfers from other retirement accounts do not count toward the limit.
Is a gold IRA a good idea?+
It depends on your goals. Gold can diversify a portfolio, but it pays no dividends or interest and gold IRAs carry higher costs than an IRA holding index funds or gold ETFs. Run the numbers here and compare the effective return with your alternatives.
Are gold IRA gains taxed?+
Like other IRAs, gains are tax-deferred in a traditional gold IRA and taxed as ordinary income when withdrawn, or tax-free in a Roth gold IRA if the qualified-distribution rules are met. Required minimum distributions apply to traditional accounts.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Rates, fees and terms vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed advisor before making decisions.