How much will my investment grow?
Your investment's future value depends on four things: how much you start with, how much you add and how often, the annual return you assume, and how long you stay invested. This calculator compounds your contributions at a steady rate, shows your return on the money you put in, and can adjust the result for inflation.
Your investment
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Your result
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How is investment growth calculated?
The calculator converts your annual return r into an equivalent rate for each contribution period, so that compounding over a year equals exactly the annual rate you entered:
periodic rate = (1 + r)1/n − 1, where n is 12 (monthly), 26 (every two weeks), 52 (weekly) or 1 (annually).
Each period, the balance grows by the periodic rate and then your contribution is added (contributions at the end of each period). Return on contributions = (final balance − total contributed) ÷ total contributed. The inflation-adjusted value divides the balance by (1 + inflation)years.
Not included: taxes, fund fees, trading costs, withdrawals and year-to-year swings in returns. Real returns vary and are not guaranteed. This calculator is for illustration and is not investment advice.
Worked examples
Results produced by this calculator.
| Scenario | Total contributed | Projected balance | Return on contributions | In today's dollars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 once, no contributions, 6% for 10 years | $10,000 | $17,908 | 79.1% | — |
| $0 start, $500 a month, 7% for 20 years | $120,000 | $253,768 | 111.5% | — |
| $25,000 start, $200 every two weeks, 5% for 15 years, 3% inflation | $103,000 | $166,856 | 62.0% | $107,099 |
These examples are generated by running this calculator's own code with the figures on this page, so they always match what the tool shows.
Frequently asked questions
What is ROI?
Return on investment compares what you gained with what you put in: (ending value − total contributions) ÷ total contributions. A 50% ROI means your money grew by half of what you contributed.
What annual return should I assume?
That depends on what you invest in and for how long. Returns are not guaranteed. Consider running a lower and a higher rate to see a range of outcomes rather than relying on one number.
Why does contributing more often grow the balance faster?
Money added earlier in the year has more time to compound. Monthly contributions start earning sooner than one annual contribution of the same total.
Does this include taxes?
No. Taxes depend on the account type (taxable, traditional or Roth retirement account) and your situation. They can reduce the amount you keep.
What does "in today's dollars" mean?
It shows what the future balance would buy at today's prices, given the inflation rate you enter.
Can a business use this for a project ROI?
For simple compounding, yes. For a business project, it is usually better to model cash flows year by year, including costs and taxes. Our team can help with budgeting and forecasting.
Disclaimer: This tool provides general estimates for educational purposes and is not tax, legal or accounting advice. Results depend on facts not captured here. Consult a qualified professional before acting.
