Investment Calculator
Project the future value of investments with contributions and compounding.
Quick answer
An investment's future value is the starting amount plus ongoing contributions, all compounded at the expected annual return over time. Because returns compound, time in the market usually matters more than timing it, and small rate differences grow huge over decades.
Value after 15 years
$119,579
You invest
$55,000
Growth
$64,579
Assumes a constant return compounded monthly, contributions at month-end, and no taxes or fees.
The three levers
Ending value is driven by time in the market, contribution rate, and return — in roughly that order for most savers. Doubling the timeline usually beats doubling the return assumption, because compounding is exponential in time but only polynomial in rate.
Real vs. nominal
An 8% nominal return is roughly 5% after typical inflation. If you want the answer in today's purchasing power, enter a real return (nominal minus expected inflation) instead — the math is identical, the interpretation changes.
Frequently asked questions
- How does the Investment Calculator work?
- An investment's future value is the starting amount plus ongoing contributions, all compounded at the expected annual return over time. Because returns compound, time in the market usually matters more than timing it, and small rate differences grow huge over decades.
- Is the Investment Calculator free to use?
- Yes. The Investment Calculator is completely free, runs entirely in your browser, and requires no account or sign-up. Your inputs never leave your device.
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