Investing calculator
Editor
Set the starting balance, contribution plan, and growth assumptions in one clean layout. The projection, chart, and yearly breakdown update instantly as you compare scenarios.
The most important assumptions stay visible up front, with contribution and inflation settings grouped into the same card to keep the calculator approachable.
Investment details
Start with the amount already invested and the time horizon you want to model.
Contribution plan
Set the recurring amount you plan to invest and whether that contribution may grow over time.
Growth assumptions
These assumptions shape the projection, including how often returns compound and whether to compare the ending balance with today's purchasing power.
This calculator provides an estimate based on your assumptions. Real investment outcomes can vary because of market performance, volatility, fees, taxes, timing, contribution consistency, and inflation.
Results
Projected final investment value
$225,974
Total contributions
$82,000
Total investment growth
$143,974
Investment multiple
2.76x
Ending balance from contributions
36.3%
Ending balance from growth
63.7%
| Year | Starting balance | Contributions | Growth | Ending balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10,000 | $3,600 | $965 | $14,565 |
| 2 | $14,565 | $3,600 | $1,344 | $19,509 |
| 3 | $19,509 | $3,600 | $1,754 | $24,863 |
| 4 | $24,863 | $3,600 | $2,199 | $30,662 |
| 5 | $30,662 | $3,600 | $2,680 | $36,942 |
| 6 | $36,942 | $3,600 | $3,201 | $43,743 |
| 7 | $43,743 | $3,600 | $3,766 | $51,108 |
| 8 | $51,108 | $3,600 | $4,377 | $59,085 |
| 9 | $59,085 | $3,600 | $5,039 | $67,724 |
| 10 | $67,724 | $3,600 | $5,756 | $77,080 |
| 11 | $77,080 | $3,600 | $6,533 | $87,213 |
| 12 | $87,213 | $3,600 | $7,374 | $98,186 |
| 13 | $98,186 | $3,600 | $8,284 | $110,071 |
| 14 | $110,071 | $3,600 | $9,271 | $122,942 |
| 15 | $122,942 | $3,600 | $10,339 | $136,881 |
| 16 | $136,881 | $3,600 | $11,496 | $151,977 |
| 17 | $151,977 | $3,600 | $12,749 | $168,326 |
| 18 | $168,326 | $3,600 | $14,106 | $186,032 |
| 19 | $186,032 | $3,600 | $15,576 | $205,207 |
| 20 | $205,207 | $3,600 | $17,167 | $225,974 |
How it works
An investment return calculator estimates how money may grow over time when you start with an initial balance, keep contributing, and apply an assumed annual return. It helps turn broad investing goals into a clearer long-term projection.
The calculator starts with your initial investment, adds contributions on the schedule you choose, and applies the expected annual return at the selected compounding frequency. The result cards, chart, and yearly table all come from that same projection model.
The initial investment is the amount already invested today. Recurring contributions are the deposits you add going forward. The expected annual return is an assumption about long-term growth, not a promise of what markets will deliver.
Regular contributions can materially change the long-term result because each new deposit has time to compound. Even modest monthly investing can build meaningful momentum over long horizons.
Compounding means returns can generate additional returns over time. Inflation works in the opposite direction by reducing future purchasing power, which is why the calculator can also show an inflation-adjusted ending value.
Real investment outcomes depend on market performance, volatility, contribution behavior, fees, taxes, and timing. Use this investment return calculator as a planning tool rather than a prediction of what will actually happen.