Example 1 — growth alone, 10 years
- Starting amount: 10,000
- Return rate: 6%
- Time: 10 years
- Compounding: annual
FV ≈ 17,908.48
Total deposits ≈ 10,000.00
Growth ≈ 7,908.48
Without contributions, all growth comes from interest on the starting amount.
Future value (FV)
See how much a starting amount will grow — on its own or with recurring contributions — at a given return rate and compounding.
Standard model: FV = PV × (1 + r/m)^(m·t) + periodic contributions. By default, contributions use the same frequency as compounding — you can change that. Educational scenario, no taxes or fees. For today's value of a single future amount, use the PV calculator.
Result
Enter data and click Calculate.
How results are calculated
Future value (FV) is the amount a starting balance (plus any recurring contributions) reaches after time t at return rate r: FV = PV × (1 + r/m)^(m·t) + contributions × [((1 + r/m)^(m·t) − 1) ÷ (r/m)] — when contributions use the same frequency as compounding.
If contribution frequency differs from compounding, the model converts to an effective rate per contribution period — the result is still future value, just with a different number of payments per year.
Growth = FV − total deposits (starting amount + all contributions) — the part of the result coming from interest/return, not your own deposits.
This formula is the mirror image of present value (PV) — both sides of the same time-value-of-money equation.
If you turn on the inflation adjustment, you'll also see FV in real terms — the purchasing power that amount will actually have after the years. An optional FV target shows how much you're short or ahead relative to your goal.
How to use the calculator
- Enter the starting amount (0 is fine if you only want contributions).
- Enter the annual return rate (%).
- Set the time horizon and its unit.
- Choose compounding: annual, monthly, or custom.
- Optionally turn on recurring contributions, enter the amount per period, and set contribution frequency (defaults to same as compounding).
- Optionally turn on the inflation adjustment and FV target comparison.
- Read the future value, total deposits, and growth share.
Usage examples
Example 2 — with recurring contributions
- Starting amount: 5,000
- Return rate: 7%
- Time: 15 years
- Compounding: monthly
- Contribution per period: 200
FV ≈ 77,637.19
Total deposits ≈ 41,000.00
Growth ≈ 36,637.19
Regular monthly contributions significantly increase the final balance versus the starting amount alone.
Example 3 — contributions and inflation adjustment
- Starting amount: 20,000
- Return rate: 5%
- Time: 8 years
- Compounding: annual
- Contribution per period: 1,000
- Inflation: 2.5%
FV ≈ 39,098.22
Total deposits ≈ 28,000.00
Growth ≈ 11,098.22
Real FV ≈ 32,089.73
Real FV is lower than nominal — inflation reduces the actual purchasing power of the result.
Example 4 — monthly contributions, annual compounding
- Starting amount: 5,000
- Return rate: 7%
- Time: 10 years
- Compounding: annual
- Contribution: 200 monthly
FV higher than starting amount alone
Total deposits = 5,000 + 200×120
A typical case: you save monthly while compounding is calculated annually — the frequencies don't have to match.
FAQ
What does future value (FV) mean?
The amount a starting balance (plus contributions) reaches after a set time at a given return rate and compounding.
How is FV different from PV?
FV moves "forward" — from today's amount to a future one. PV moves "backward" — from a future amount to today's value. They are two sides of the same equation.
What do recurring contributions add?
Contributions made each period increase the final balance beyond what the starting amount alone would produce — the calculator also shows the result without contributions for comparison.
How does compounding affect growth?
More frequent compounding (e.g. monthly) at the same annual rate produces a higher FV than annual compounding.
What does the growth share show?
How much of the final amount is your own deposits versus interest or return generated by compounding over time.
What assumptions does the model make?
A constant return rate for the whole period, fixed-size contributions, and no taxes or fees.
What changes with the inflation adjustment?
It shows FV in real terms — the actual purchasing power the result will have after the years, at the assumed inflation rate.
What should I compare the FV result with?
With present value (PV), compound interest, and inflation — to see the full picture of saving and capital growth over time.
Do contributions need the same frequency as compounding?
No. By default they match compounding, but you can choose e.g. monthly contributions with annual compounding — the calculator accounts for that.