Future Value Calculator
Calculate the future value of a lump sum or regular investment with compound interest.
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How to use this calculator
PV = present value (lump sum), PMT = monthly contribution, r = monthly rate, n = months.
- 1
Enter your initial lump sum investment (or 0 if starting from scratch).
- 2
Enter any regular monthly contribution amount.
- 3
Enter the expected annual return rate.
- 4
Enter the number of years to invest.
- 5
The result shows the projected future value and total growth earned.
Frequently asked questions
What is future value?
Future value (FV) is what a current sum of money will be worth at a future date, given a specific rate of return. It accounts for the power of compound interest — earning returns on your returns.
What annual return rate should I use?
For a diversified stock index fund (e.g. S&P 500), 7–10% is a commonly used historical estimate. For bonds: 3–5%. For a mixed portfolio: 5–7%. These are estimates, not guarantees.
How powerful is monthly investing?
Investing $500/month at 8% for 30 years grows to approximately $745,000, even though you only contributed $180,000. The extra $565,000 is from compound growth — the "eighth wonder of the world."
What is the difference between future value and present value?
Future value asks: "What will this money be worth later?" Present value asks: "How much is a future sum worth today?" They are inverse calculations using the same compound interest formula.
Future value and compound growth
Compound interest: the engine of wealth
Compound interest means you earn returns on your returns. $10,000 at 8% for 30 years grows to $100,627 — ten times the original amount. The same $10,000 at 8% simple interest would only grow to $34,000. The difference ($66,627) is pure compounding.
Start early — time is the biggest variable
Investing $5,000/year from age 25–35 (10 years, $50,000 total), then stopping, outperforms investing $5,000/year from age 35–65 (30 years, $150,000 total) — if returns are 8%. Starting 10 years earlier with less money wins because of compounding time.
Future value in retirement planning
If you need $1,000,000 at retirement in 30 years, at an 8% return you need to invest approximately $671/month starting today. At 7%, that becomes $820/month. At 6%, it is $995/month. Every percentage point of return makes a significant difference over long periods.
Learn more from an authoritative source:
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Results are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial, medical, legal, or technical advice. Read full disclaimer →