Future Value calculator.
Use this free future value calculator to get fast estimates, compare scenarios, and understand the numbers with clear step-by-step context.
Use the Future Value Calculator.
Results update automatically as you type. No account is required.
Enter your investment details
Starting point
How much you have now and what you add each period.
Growth assumptions
The return you expect and how long the money compounds.
A $10,000 start plus $200 per period grows to $144,573 at 7%.
Growth over time
Total value vs. the money you contribute.
What makes up the total
Contributions vs. interest earned.
About the Future Value Calculator
The future value calculator shows what an investment will be worth later, given a starting amount, regular contributions, an expected rate of return, and a time horizon. It is the core idea behind retirement saving and any long-term investing plan: money invested today, plus money you keep adding, compounds into a much larger sum over time.
How future value is calculated
A lump sum grows by the formula FV = PV × (1 + i)n, where i is the rate per period and n is the number of periods. When you also contribute each period, the future value of those deposits is added using the annuity formula. This calculator compounds your balance and each contribution together at the frequency you choose, then shows how much of the result is your own money versus interest.
Why compounding frequency and time matter
The more often interest compounds and the longer you stay invested, the larger the future value, because each period earns returns on all prior gains. Time is usually the most powerful lever: starting a few years earlier often beats contributing more later.
Using the result
Compare scenarios by changing the contribution, rate, or years. The growth chart shows how the gap between what you put in and what you end up with widens over time, which is the visual signature of compounding.
Important disclaimer
⚠ Disclaimer: This future value calculator is for general education and planning only and is not financial or investment advice. It assumes a constant rate of return and steady contributions; real investment returns vary and are not guaranteed. It does not account for taxes, fees, or inflation. For decisions about your money, consult a qualified financial professional.
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Present Value Calculator · Compound Interest Calculator · Investment Calculator · Retirement Calculator
Future Value Calculator FAQ
What is future value?
Future value is what a sum of money invested today, plus any regular contributions, will be worth at a later date after earning a given rate of return.
How is future value calculated?
A lump sum uses FV = PV × (1 + i)^n; regular contributions add the future value of an annuity. This tool compounds both together at your chosen frequency.
Does compounding frequency change the result?
Yes. More frequent compounding (monthly or daily vs. annually) produces a slightly higher future value for the same annual rate.
What return rate should I use?
Use a realistic long-run average for your investment mix. Many people model diversified stock portfolios around 6–8% before inflation, but returns vary and are not guaranteed.
Does the calculator include inflation?
No. It shows nominal future value. To estimate value in today\u2019s money, enter a lower “real” return that subtracts your inflation assumption.
Is the result guaranteed?
No. It is a projection based on a constant rate. Actual returns fluctuate year to year and can be negative.
Is this future value calculator free?
Yes. It is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser.