See what today’s savings could be worth later — with or without regular contributions — at a given return and compounding schedule.
This is a standard future-value model with optional contributions. Contribution frequency defaults to match compounding, but you can split them and choose end- or beginning-of-period timing. No taxes or fees — a scenario, not a forecast. Need today’s value of one future amount? Use present value (PV).
Enter data and click Calculate.
Future value (FV) is the amount a starting balance and optional regular contributions reach after time t at return rate r. When contribution frequency matches compounding: FV = PV × (1 + r/m)^(m·t) + payment × [((1 + r/m)^(m·t) − 1) ÷ (r/m)] for end-of-period contributions.
If you choose beginning-of-period contributions, the annuity part is treated as an annuity due (one extra period of interest on the payment stream). When contribution and compounding frequencies differ, the model converts an effective rate per contribution period.
Growth = FV − total deposits (start + all contributions) — the share from return, not from your pocket. Optional inflation shows real FV; a target shows surplus or shortfall.
This is the inverse of present value (PV) — two sides of the same time-value equation.
FV ≈ 17,908.48
Total deposits ≈ 10,000.00
Growth ≈ 7,908.48
With no contributions, all growth comes from compounding the starting balance.
FV ≈ 77,637.19
Total deposits ≈ 41,000.00
Growth ≈ 36,637.19
Regular contributions lift the ending balance far above the starting amount alone — check the “FV without contributions” card too.
FV ≈ 39,098.22
Total deposits ≈ 28,000.00
Growth ≈ 11,098.22
Real FV ≈ 32,089.73
Nominal FV looks solid, but after inflation purchasing power is clearly lower — that is what the real FV card is for.
FV higher than starting amount alone
Total deposits = 5,000 + 200×120
A common setup: you save monthly, compounding is stated yearly — the frequencies do not have to match.
This calculator does not pick a return for you and ignores return volatility — the result is a scenario under fixed assumptions.
It is the amount today’s starting balance — alone or with regular contributions — would reach after your horizon at the assumed return and compounding. It is a constant-rate scenario, not a market forecast.
FV looks forward: you know today’s amount (and maybe contributions) and ask what it could be later. PV looks backward: you know a future amount and ask what it is worth today. Same time-value math, opposite direction.
Each contribution also grows to the end of the horizon, so the ending balance is usually much higher than the starting amount alone. The calculator also shows FV without contributions so you can see how much the deposits vs the return contribute.
At the same annual rate, more frequent compounding (monthly instead of yearly) usually produces a slightly higher FV because interest is added to principal more often. The gap grows with horizon and rate.
How much of the ending balance comes from your deposits (start + contributions) versus interest or return. Over long horizons with contributions, growth often approaches or exceeds half the result.
A constant return for the whole period, fixed contribution size, and no taxes or fees. Real returns bounce around; fees and tax on gains would pull the outcome below what you see here.
It shows FV in real terms — the purchasing power the nominal result would have after the years at your assumed inflation. Nominal FV can rise while real value lags if inflation is high.
It shows surplus or shortfall versus an amount you want to hit. A quick plan check: with these assumptions, are you on track, or do you need more time, larger contributions, or a higher return?
No. They match by default, but you can contribute monthly with annual compounding — the model converts an effective rate per contribution period. Separately you choose whether each contribution is at the end or the beginning of its period.
