Investment Calculator
Calculate investment growth with compound interest and monthly contributions. Project future value of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and retirement accounts. See your wealth accumulate over 5, 10, or 30 years.
$
$
%
years
Final Balance
$300,851
after {20} years
Total Contributions
$130,000
Total Interest Earned
$170,851
Growth Breakdown
Contributions (43.2%)Interest (56.8%)
View Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Year | Start Balance | Contributions | Interest | End Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10,000 | $6,000 | $919 | $16,919 |
| 2 | $16,919 | $6,000 | $1,419 | $24,339 |
| 3 | $24,339 | $6,000 | $1,956 | $32,294 |
| 4 | $32,294 | $6,000 | $2,531 | $40,825 |
| 5 | $40,825 | $6,000 | $3,148 | $49,973 |
| 6 | $49,973 | $6,000 | $3,809 | $59,782 |
| 7 | $59,782 | $6,000 | $4,518 | $70,299 |
| 8 | $70,299 | $6,000 | $5,278 | $81,578 |
| 9 | $81,578 | $6,000 | $6,094 | $93,671 |
| 10 | $93,671 | $6,000 | $6,968 | $106,639 |
| 11 | $106,639 | $6,000 | $7,905 | $120,544 |
| 12 | $120,544 | $6,000 | $8,910 | $135,455 |
| 13 | $135,455 | $6,000 | $9,988 | $151,443 |
| 14 | $151,443 | $6,000 | $11,144 | $168,587 |
| 15 | $168,587 | $6,000 | $12,383 | $186,971 |
| 16 | $186,971 | $6,000 | $13,712 | $206,683 |
| 17 | $206,683 | $6,000 | $15,137 | $227,820 |
| 18 | $227,820 | $6,000 | $16,665 | $250,486 |
| 19 | $250,486 | $6,000 | $18,304 | $274,790 |
| 20 | $274,790 | $6,000 | $20,061 | $300,851 |
Why Use Investment Calculator?
Understanding how your money grows through compound interest is essential for long-term financial planning. This investment calculator shows you exactly how your initial investment and regular contributions will accumulate over time. Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for a major purchase, or simply wanting to grow your wealth, seeing the projected growth helps you stay motivated and make informed decisions about your investment strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is compound interest?
Compound interest is interest earned on both your initial investment and previously earned interest. Over time, this 'interest on interest' creates exponential growth. The more frequently interest compounds, the faster your money grows.
What's a realistic annual return rate?
Historical stock market returns average about 7-10% annually after inflation. Bonds typically return 3-5%. A diversified portfolio might expect 6-8%. Higher returns usually come with higher risk.
How does compound frequency affect returns?
More frequent compounding results in slightly higher returns. Monthly compounding earns more than annual compounding at the same rate. However, the difference is usually small compared to the impact of time and contribution amounts.
Should I contribute at the beginning or end of the period?
Contributing at the beginning of each period gives your money more time to compound, resulting in slightly higher returns. However, for most people, the important thing is consistency rather than timing.
How do taxes affect investment growth?
This calculator shows pre-tax growth. Actual returns depend on account type (taxable vs. tax-advantaged like 401k/IRA) and your tax bracket. Tax-advantaged accounts let your money compound without annual tax drag.