Future Value Calculator
Calculate the future value of a lump sum investment or regular contributions at any compounding frequency — daily through annually. Shows a year-by-year growth table.
You might also need
How It Works
Enter present value (PV), annual interest rate, compounding frequency, and time period. FV = PV × (1+r/n)^(nt). Compounding frequency options range from daily to annually. The year-by-year growth table shows balance at each period. Example: $10,000 at 7% for 20 years (monthly) = $40,064.
FV = PV × (1+r/n)^(nt) | n = compounding periods/year$10k at 7%, 20yr, monthly: FV=$40,064, interest=$30,064Enter initial balance AND regular contribution amount. FV = PV(1+r/n)^(nt) + PMT×[(1+r/n)^(nt)−1]/(r/n). Example: $0 initial, $500/month, 7%, 20 years (monthly): FV=$130,286. Contributed $120,000. Interest earned $10,286 — nearly 9% of total. Early years contribute little growth; final years compound dramatically.
FV = PV×(1+r/n)^(nt) + PMT×[(1+r/n)^(nt)−1]/(r/n)$500/mo, 7%, 20yr: FV=$130,286 (contributed $120k)The calculator shows results at the selected compounding frequency. Switching from annual to monthly on $10,000 at 5% for 10 years adds $182 extra ($16,471 vs $16,289). The difference between monthly and daily is tiny ($16 more for daily). Rate is the dominant factor.
APY = (1+APR/n)^n − 1 | more periods = higher effective rate$10k at 5%, 10yr: annual=$16,289, monthly=$16,471, daily=$16,487Doubling time ≈ 72 / rate%. At 6%: 72/6=12 years. At 4%: 18 years. At 12%: 6 years. More precise: 69.3/rate% for continuous compounding. The rule helps quickly assess whether an investment goal is realistic given a return assumption.
Doubling years ≈ 72 / annual_rate% | exact: ln(2)/ln(1+r)6%: doubles in 12yr | 9%: 8yr | Rule of 72 error under 2%$500/month for 30 years: at 5% → $415,667; at 7% → $567,765; at 9% → $790,900. The 4% rate difference adds $375,000. This is why expense ratios in index funds (0.03% vs 1%) compound dramatically over decades. Use the calculator to see the impact of rate differences.
Higher r has exponential effect on long-term FV$500/mo 30yr: 5%=$416k, 7%=$568k, 9%=$791kQuick Reference
Verify these in the calculator above.
Lump sum
$10k at 7%, 20yr monthly
FV = $40,064
With deposits
$500/mo, 7%, 20yr
FV = $130,286
Long term
$1k at 7%, age 25 to 65
FV = $14,974
Rule of 72
Doubling at 6%/yr
~12 years
Rate impact
$500/mo, 5% vs 9%, 30yr
$416k vs $791k
Frequency
Annual vs daily, 5%, 10yr
Daily adds $198
Example
$10k at 5% for 10yr
FV = $16,471 (monthly)
Inverse
FV vs PV relationship
FV = PV × growth factor
Tips & Shortcuts
Time is the most powerful factor — $1,000 invested at age 25 at 7% grows to $14,974 by age 65. Starting 10 years later requires more than double the monthly contribution to reach the same goal.
The growth table shows how FV accelerates in later years — this is why staying invested through market downturns is crucial. Missing the best 10 days in any decade typically halves returns.
For inflation-adjusted projections, use real return (nominal rate − inflation). Stocks historically return about 10% nominal and 7% real after 3% average inflation.
The Rule of 72 helps quick mental math: 72 ÷ your expected rate = years to double. At 7%, money doubles every ~10 years.
For retirement planning, combine lump sum (existing savings) and regular contributions (monthly additions) in a single calculation for the most accurate projection.
Common Mistakes
Using nominal rate instead of real rate for inflation-adjusted goals
A 7% return with 3% inflation gives 4% real growth. If your goal is measured in today's dollars, use 4% (or 3-4% for conservative planning), not 7%.
Forgetting taxes on investment gains
Outside tax-advantaged accounts, investment gains are taxable. Long-term capital gains rates (0-20%) and annual dividend taxes reduce effective returns. After-tax return is what matters for taxable accounts.
Assuming the stated rate compounds annually
Savings accounts often quote APR but compound daily. Always select the actual compounding frequency. A 5% APR compounded daily gives APY=5.127%, not exactly 5%.
Not accounting for contribution timing
This calculator uses end-of-period contributions (ordinary annuity). If you contribute at the beginning of each period (annuity due), multiply the contribution FV by (1+r/n) for a slightly higher result.
Treating the growth table as guaranteed
FV calculations assume a constant rate. Real investments fluctuate. The table shows what happens IF the rate holds steady — actual results will vary. For long-term goals, use conservative rate assumptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lump sum: FV = PV × (1+r/n)^(nt). With regular contributions: FV = PV(1+r/n)^(nt) + PMT × [(1+r/n)^(nt) − 1]/(r/n). PV = present value, r = annual rate, n = compounding periods per year, t = years, PMT = periodic contribution.
Monthly compounding: FV = 10000 × (1+0.07/12)^(240) = $40,064. Annual compounding: FV = 10000 × (1.07)^20 = $38,697. The difference shows the benefit of monthly compounding.
More frequent compounding gives higher FV. $10,000 at 5% for 10 years: annually=$16,289, monthly=$16,471, daily=$16,487. Rate matters far more than frequency — 6% annually beats 5% daily.
FV annuity = PMT × [(1+r/n)^(nt) − 1] / (r/n). Example: $500/month at 7% for 20 years (monthly): FV = 500 × [(1.00583)^240 − 1] / 0.00583 = $130,286. Total contributed: $120,000. Interest earned: $10,286.
Doubling time ≈ 72 / annual_rate%. At 6%: doubles in 12 years. At 9%: 8 years. At 3%: 24 years. The rule is accurate within 1-2% for rates between 2% and 20%. Use the calculator for exact results.
Enter initial balance (PV), monthly contribution (PMT), annual interest rate, years, and select monthly compounding. The calculator shows FV, total contributed, and total interest. The growth table shows year-by-year breakdown.
FV (Future Value) asks: what will my money be worth later? PV (Present Value) asks: what is a future amount worth today? They are inverses: PV = FV / (1+r/n)^(nt). If FV of $1,000 in 10 years at 5% is $1,629, then PV of $1,629 in 10 years at 5% is $1,000.
Related Calculators
Interest Calculator
Calculate simple or compound interest on any amount.
Interest Rate Calculator
Find the interest rate needed to reach your goal.
Basic Calculator
Fast arithmetic: add, subtract, multiply, divide.
Random Number Generator
Generate random integers within any range.
Mortgage Calculator
Calculate monthly payment, total cost, and amortization.
Loan Calculator
Monthly payment, total interest, and payoff schedule for any loan.