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Investment Growth Calculator

Project how an investment could grow from a starting amount and regular monthly contributions, and see how much is your money versus compound growth.

FreeNo sign-upPrivate — runs in your browser, nothing is uploaded

Future balance after 10 years$106,639
Total contributed$70,000
Total growth$36,639

A projection using a constant return rate — real investments fluctuate and may lose value. This is an estimate, not financial advice. Computed in your browser.

Estimate only. This calculator provides estimates based on the values you enter and the formula shown. It is not financial advice and may not reflect every fee, tax, or lender requirement. Check figures with a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

Quick answer

To project investment growth, the future value combines your initial amount compounded over time plus the growth of your regular contributions. For example, $10,000 plus $500 a month at a 7% annual return for 10 years grows to roughly $106,600 — of which $70,000 is what you contributed and about $36,600 is growth. This is an estimate using a constant rate; real returns vary and can be negative.

Formula & method

The initial amount grows by the future-value formula FV = P × (1 + i)^n at your chosen compounding frequency. Monthly contributions are treated as an ordinary annuity compounded monthly: FV = PMT × [((1 + r)^m − 1) ÷ r], where r is the monthly rate and m the number of months. Total contributed is the initial amount plus all contributions; growth is the future value minus that.

Examples

Example 1: Starter portfolio
Input
$10,000 + $500/mo, 7%, 10 yr
Result
≈ $106,600
Why
About $70,000 contributed and ~$36,600 of compound growth.
Example 2: Contributions only
Input
$0 + $300/mo, 6%, 20 yr
Result
≈ $138,600
Why
Regular investing alone compounds substantially over time.
Example 3: Lump sum
Input
$25,000, 0 monthly, 5%, 15 yr
Result
≈ $51,900
Why
A one-time amount roughly doubles at 5% over 15 years.

When to use this tool

  • Estimating how a savings or investing plan could grow over years.
  • Comparing the long-term effect of different monthly contributions.
  • Seeing how much of a future balance is contributions versus growth.

Common mistakes

  • Treating the projection as guaranteed — markets fluctuate, so actual returns vary year to year and can be negative.
  • Entering a nominal return without considering inflation, which reduces real purchasing power.
  • Ignoring fees and taxes, which lower net returns over time.

Frequently asked questions

How is the future value calculated?

The initial amount is compounded over the period, and the monthly contributions are grown as an annuity. The two are added for the projected balance.

Is the return rate guaranteed?

No. It's an assumed constant rate for projection. Real investments fluctuate, may lose value, and past performance doesn't predict future results.

Should I use a real or nominal rate?

This uses a nominal rate. To gauge purchasing power, subtract expected inflation (e.g. use ~4% instead of 7%) for a rough 'real' growth estimate.

Does it include taxes and fees?

No. Taxes and fees reduce net returns and aren't modeled here. Account for them separately for a realistic picture.

Is this financial advice?

No. It's an educational estimate only. Consult a licensed financial professional before making investment decisions.

Is my data uploaded?

No — the projection runs entirely in your browser.

Sources & references

External references open in a new tab. We are independent and not affiliated with these organizations.

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates based on the values you enter and the formula shown. It is not financial advice and may not reflect every fee, tax, or lender requirement. Check figures with a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

  • ✓ Free to use
  • ✓ No sign-up required
  • ✓ Runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
  • ✓ Formula and method shown above
Last updated: How we calculateReport a correctionDisclaimer

Provided “as is” for general information only — results may be inaccurate, so verify before you rely on them. No warranty; use at your own risk.

Built and reviewed by HIFreeTools against the formula shown above and any authoritative references cited on this page. See our methodology and editorial standards.

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