Investment Growth Calculator
Project the future value of your investments with the power of compound interest.
Investment Details
Future Investment Value
$0.00
This is the projected value of your investment at the end of the time period.
$0.00
Total Principal
$0.00
Total Interest Earned
Investment Growth Over Time
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How to Calculate Investment Growth
Investment growth is driven by the principle of compound interest. This means you earn returns not only on your initial investment (the principal) but also on the accumulated interest from previous periods. It's often called "interest on interest."
This calculator demonstrates how consistent contributions and the power of compounding can significantly grow your initial capital over time. The longer your money stays invested, the more powerful the compounding effect becomes, leading to exponential growth rather than linear.
How to Project Your Investment's Future
Growth Projection Steps
Follow these simple steps to get a clear picture of your financial future.
Enter Your Capital
Start with your initial investment and how much you plan to add monthly.
Set Your Time & Rate
Define your investment duration in years and the expected annual return.
Analyze Your Growth
Instantly see your projected future value, total principal, and interest earned.
The Formula for Investment Growth
For a Single Lump Sum
The core of investment growth is the compound interest formula, which calculates the future value of a single initial investment.
- A = Future Value
- P = Principal (Initial Investment)
- r = Annual Interest Rate (as a decimal)
- n = Number of times interest is compounded per year
- t = Number of years
With Monthly Contributions
When you add regular monthly contributions, the formula expands to account for these additions, combining the initial sum with the future value of an annuity.
- A, P, r, n, t = Same as above
- PMT = Monthly Contribution
Why Project Your Investment Growth?
Calculating the future value of your investments is a crucial step in financial planning. It helps you set realistic goals, whether you're saving for retirement, a down payment on a house, or your children's education. Understanding your potential growth helps you make informed decisions today for a more secure tomorrow.
Start Projecting
Frequently Asked Questions
Compound interest is the interest you earn on both your original investment and the accumulated interest. For example, if you have $100 that earns 5% interest, you'll have $105. The next year, you'll earn 5% on $105, and so on. This causes your investment to grow at an accelerating rate over time.
This depends heavily on the type of investment. Historically, the average stock market return (like an S&P 500 index fund) has been around 7-10% annually over the long term. Bonds are typically lower (3-6%), while high-yield savings accounts are on the lower end. It's best to use a conservative estimate you're comfortable with.
No, this calculator shows the nominal growth of your investment. To find the "real" return, which accounts for inflation, you can subtract the average inflation rate (historically around 2-3%) from your estimated annual interest rate. For example, a 7% return with 3% inflation is a 4% real return.
While your initial investment and rate of return are key, consistent contributions can dramatically increase your future value. Regular contributions add to your principal, giving compound interest more capital to work with, which accelerates your portfolio's growth significantly over time.
This calculator assumes that interest is compounded monthly, which is a common scenario for many savings and investment accounts. The more frequently interest is compounded, the faster your investment grows.
This tool is most accurate for projecting investments with a relatively stable interest rate. For investments with variable returns like stocks, you can use a conservative long-term average annual return (e.g., 7-8%) as your "Estimated Annual Interest Rate" to get a general projection. However, remember that past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
The **Principal** is the total amount of money you have put into the investment from your own pocket (your initial investment plus all your contributions). The **Interest** is the money your investment has earned on its own. Your total future value is the sum of your total principal and the total interest earned.
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See what our users have to say about this tool.
Kaelen Vance
FIRE Aspirant
"This calculator was crucial for my financial planning. The chart visualization really helped me stay motivated towards my goals."
Priya Sharma
Financial Planner
"I recommend this tool to all my clients. It's a fantastic way to visually explain the power of compounding and long-term planning."
Rhys Sterling
College Student
"Great tool for a quick projection. Would be even better if it could factor in taxes or fees."
Elara Finch
New Investor
"Finally, a calculator that makes sense! It's so easy to use and visualize the future. I feel more confident about my savings plan now."
Jian Li
Software Developer
"It's a good basic calculator. It does what it promises, but it's not very advanced. Useful for a quick check."
Sorina Novak
Small Business Owner
"The clean interface and the visual chart make understanding my potential growth so much easier. An essential tool for any long-term saver."
Mateo Rossi
Freelancer
"Decent tool for a rough estimate. It's helpful but remember it doesn't account for market volatility."
Anwen Lee
Retirement Planner
"The 'Download Report' feature is fantastic for my client meetings. Saves me a ton of time and looks very professional."
Zola Adebayo
Graphic Designer
"Simple, effective, and beautifully designed. It's my go-to for a quick health check on my retirement savings."
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Future Investment Value
$0.00
Total Principal Contributed
$0.00
Total Interest Earned
$0.00
Summary
Growth Breakdown
Principal
Interest
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