Investment Calculator

Project the future growth of your savings and investments with our free investment calculator. By accounting for compound interest and regular contributions, you can see how your money can grow over time. Plan for retirement, a major purchase, or simply build wealth with a clear financial forecast. Explore more financial tools on CalculatorBolt.

Calculate Investment Growth

Starting amount
Regular contribution per period
How often you contribute
Expected annual return
How long you'll invest

Preset Scenarios

Inflate Adjustment

Contribution Timing

Export

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your starting amount, how much you plan to contribute regularly, your expected rate of return, and the investment duration. The calculator will show you the total future value, breaking down how much comes from your contributions and how much is earned from interest.

Understanding Compound Interest

Compound interest is the engine of investment growth. It means you earn interest not only on your initial principal but also on the accumulated interest from previous periods. This "interest on interest" effect can lead to exponential growth over the long term, making it a powerful tool for wealth creation.

Example

You start with a $5,000 initial investment and contribute $200 every month for 20 years, with an expected annual return of 7%.

  • Total Contributions: $53,000
  • Future Value: $125,379.65
  • Total Interest Earned: $72,379.65

Tips for Successful Investing

  • Start Early: The longer your money is invested, the more time compound interest has to work its magic.
  • Contribute Regularly: Consistent contributions, even small ones, significantly boost your final balance over time.
  • Understand Inflation: Use the inflation adjustment feature to see the future value in today's purchasing power. A 7% return with 2.5% inflation is a 4.5% "real" return.

FAQs

This depends heavily on your investment strategy. A conservative savings account might yield 1-2%, while a stock market portfolio might average 7-10% over the long term, but with higher risk.

More frequent contributions (e.g., monthly vs. annually) allow your money to start earning interest sooner, slightly increasing the final amount.

Saving typically involves putting money in low-risk accounts for short-term goals. Investing involves taking on more risk with the potential for higher long-term growth.

No. This calculator shows pre-tax growth. The actual amount you keep will depend on the type of investment account (e.g., tax-advantaged IRA/401k vs. a standard brokerage account).

Disclaimer

This calculator provides an estimate based on the data you enter. It is not financial advice. Actual investment returns will vary and are not guaranteed. The value of investments can go down as well as up. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Author: CalculatorBolt Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Financial Advisor
Published: • Updated: