Investment Calculator
Lump sum + periodic contributions
Instructions
Enter Initial and Contribution
Starting balance and amount added each period.
Enter Rate, Years, Frequency
Annual return, timeline, and contribution frequency.
Formula
FV = P(1+i)^n·t + c·[((1+i)^n·t − 1)/i]
i = r/n, contributions assumed end-of-period
Common Questions
Are contributions monthly or annual?
Choose the frequency to match how often you add money.
Are returns guaranteed?
No, returns are assumptions; actual results vary.
Project Your Investment Growth
The Investment Calculator projects how your money grows over time with compound interest. Enter your initial investment, monthly contributions, expected return rate, and investment period to see projected growth with detailed year-by-year breakdowns.
Compound interest is the most powerful wealth-building force in personal finance. This calculator visualizes how your money compounds over time, showing the dramatic difference between starting early versus starting late with the same total contributions.
The tool supports various compounding frequencies (daily, monthly, quarterly, annually) and accounts for inflation-adjusted returns. It also shows the breakdown between your total contributions and total interest earned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a realistic average return rate?
The S&P 500 has historically returned about 10% annually before inflation, or roughly 7% after inflation. Bond returns average 4-6%.
How does compounding frequency affect returns?
More frequent compounding (daily vs. annually) yields slightly higher returns, but the difference is small for most practical purposes.