This calculator helps you model how an investment may grow over time. It separates principal from return, shows a year by year balance path, and lets you compare multiple scenarios before saving or sharing the result.
Input the amount you want to invest at the start of the period.
Use an expected annual rate and choose how many years to project.
Select yearly or monthly compounding and add recurring deposits if needed.
Check future value, total return, principal share, yearly balances, and scenario comparisons.
The result combines your starting balance, any recurring contributions, and the return generated over the selected period. The summary focuses on total future value and total return, while the charts and yearly table make it easier to see how much of the final amount came from deposits versus growth.
Compounding means returns are reinvested and begin generating their own return. When compounding happens more often, the ending value is usually slightly higher because gains are added back into the balance sooner.
A simplified future value expression can be written as FV = P × (1 + r/n)^(n×t), with recurring deposits added over the same schedule. Here P is the initial investment, r is the annual return rate, n is the number of compounding periods per year, and t is the number of years.
Stocks are often chosen for long term growth, bonds are used for income and stability, real estate may provide rental income and appreciation, and diversified funds can reduce single asset risk. The right expected return depends on the asset mix, fees, taxes, and the time horizon you are modeling.
Three inputs matter most in long range planning. First, the annual return rate changes the slope of the growth curve. Second, the time period gives compounding more time to work. Third, recurring contributions can materially increase the final value even when the return rate stays the same.
Use the scenario comparison table to test different deposit sizes, rates, and periods instead of relying on a single projection.
It includes the initial investment, annual return rate, time period, compounding frequency, and optional recurring contributions.
No. The projection is simplified and meant for general planning only.
Comparing scenarios helps you see whether higher contributions, longer time periods, or a different return assumption has the largest impact on the result.
Future value is the main headline, but total return, return share, and the yearly balance table are often more useful for interpreting how the final amount is built.
The result is a planning estimate only and may differ from actual investment performance.
