Investment Returns Calculator
Project investment growth with compound interest and monthly contributions over time.
Last updated: 2026-03-06
Investment returns calculator
Enter your investment details
Provide your initial investment, monthly contributions, expected return, and time horizon.
Future Value
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Enter your investment details to see projected returns.
Calculation History (0)
Example calculations
Tap an example to prefill the calculator with sample values.
Retirement Savings
$10,000 initial, $500/mo, 7%, 30 years
Long-term retirement savings with consistent contributions.
Result: Future value: ~$630,000
College Fund
$5,000 initial, $200/mo, 6%, 18 years
Saving for a child's college education from birth.
Result: Future value: ~$91,000
Emergency Fund Growth
$1,000 initial, $300/mo, 4.5%, 5 years
Building an emergency fund in a high-yield savings account.
Result: Future value: ~$21,200
How investment returns are calculated
This calculator projects your investment growth using compound interest with monthly contributions. Each month, your balance earns returns and receives your additional contribution.
How it works: Starting from your initial investment, each month the balance grows by the monthly rate (annual rate ÷ 12), then your monthly contribution is added.
Key concepts:
- Compound growth — Returns earn returns over time, creating exponential growth
- Dollar-cost averaging — Regular monthly contributions smooth out market volatility
- Time horizon — Longer investment periods amplify compound growth significantly
Results assume a constant annual return, which in reality fluctuates. Historical S&P 500 returns average about 10% annually before inflation (roughly 7% after). Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Investment returns FAQs
Answers to common investment calculation questions.
What return rate should I use?
The S&P 500 has historically returned about 10% annually before inflation (roughly 7% after inflation). For bonds, 4-5% is typical. For savings accounts, 4-5% for high-yield accounts. Use a conservative estimate for planning.
Is the return compounded monthly or annually?
This calculator uses monthly compounding — your annual return rate is divided by 12 and applied each month. Monthly compounding produces slightly higher returns than annual compounding.
Does this account for taxes or fees?
No. The projected returns are before taxes and investment fees. Actual returns will be lower depending on your tax bracket, account type (taxable vs. tax-advantaged), and fund expense ratios.
What is compound interest?
Compound interest means you earn returns not just on your original investment, but also on previously earned returns. This creates exponential growth over time — the longer you invest, the more powerful the compounding effect.
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Disclaimer
Investment projections assume a constant annual return rate, which does not reflect actual market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This calculator is for educational purposes only and not investment advice.
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