Future Value Calculator
Calculate how much an investment can grow with compound interest, an initial investment, and recurring deposits.
Future Value Inputs
Enter your assumptions. You do not need to press Calculate.
Your Future Value
Live calculation based on your current assumptions.
Total Contributions
Interest Earned
Growth vs Contributions
Investment Growth Analysis
See how the balance can build over time.
Projected balance by year
| Year | Starting Balance | Contributions | Interest | Ending Balance |
|---|
What Is Future Value?
Future value is the amount an investment could be worth at a future date after accounting for compound growth and additional contributions. It helps compare how different interest rates, time periods, starting balances, and recurring deposits can affect long-term savings.
PV is the starting investment, PMT is the recurring deposit, r is the interest rate per compounding period, and n is the number of compounding periods. When deposits are made at the beginning of each period, the deposit component receives one additional period of growth.
How to Use the Future Value Calculator
- Enter your initial investment or starting balance.
- Enter the amount you plan to add every compounding period.
- Enter the expected annual interest rate.
- Choose how many years you expect to invest.
- Select the compounding frequency.
- Choose whether recurring deposits are made at the beginning or end of each period.
- Review the live future value, total contributions, interest earned, chart, and yearly projection.
Why Time and Compounding Matter
Compound growth can become increasingly important as the investment period becomes longer because previously earned interest can itself earn additional interest. Increasing the contribution amount can also materially change the final value.
The calculator is useful for savings planning, retirement projections, investment comparisons, education funds, and other long-term financial planning scenarios.
Related Financial Calculators
Future Value Calculator FAQ
What is a future value calculator?
A future value calculator estimates what a current investment plus recurring contributions may become after compound growth over a selected period.
Does compounding frequency affect future value?
Yes. With the same nominal annual rate, changing the compounding frequency changes how often interest is added to the balance and can change the final value.
What is the difference between beginning and end-of-period deposits?
A beginning-of-period deposit receives an additional period of growth compared with an otherwise identical deposit made at the end of the period.
Does the calculator include recurring deposits?
Yes. The periodic deposit is included in the future value calculation and in the contribution and interest breakdown.
Is the result guaranteed?
No. The result is a mathematical projection based on the assumptions entered. Actual investment returns may differ because rates, fees, taxes, contributions, and market conditions can vary.