Calculate the future value of an investment with regular monthly contributions and compound interest.
A future value calculator answers a core question in personal finance: "If I have this much money now and add this much each month, what will it be worth in the future at a given growth rate?" It's based on the time value of money — the idea that money today is worth more than the same amount in the future, because it can be invested and grow over time.
This calculator compounds monthly: each month, growth is calculated on the current balance, then your monthly contribution is added before the next month's growth is calculated.
Future value of a lump sum: FV = PV × (1 + r)n, where PV is the present value, r is the monthly rate, and n is the number of months.
Future value with contributions: Each month's balance is calculated as Balance = Balance × (1 + r) + contribution, repeated for every month of the time period.
Example: A $5,000 present value with $200 monthly contributions, at a 6% annual interest rate (example rate — enter your expected rate) over 10 years, grows to a future value made up of your original amount, all your contributions, and the compound growth on top. (Note: all figures in this example are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual rates or market conditions.)
Future value calculations are the foundation of goal-based financial planning — figuring out what a college fund, down payment fund, or retirement account could grow to by a target date. The rate you choose matters enormously over long time horizons: even small differences in the assumed rate compound into large differences in the projected future value over 10, 20, or 30 years. The 6% default in this calculator is an example only, not a guaranteed or predicted return — actual returns vary by investment type and market conditions (example rate used in this calculator).
Present value is what an amount of money is worth today. Future value is what that amount (plus any additional contributions) would be worth at a later date, after growing at an assumed interest rate.
This calculator compounds monthly. Each month, growth is calculated on the current balance, then your monthly contribution is added before the next month's growth is calculated.
The default 6% is an example only. The appropriate rate depends heavily on what the money is invested in — savings accounts, bonds, and stocks all have very different typical rates and risk levels. Use a conservative estimate appropriate to your investment type.
No. This calculator shows nominal future value — the dollar amount before adjusting for inflation. The real (inflation-adjusted) purchasing power of that future amount would be lower.
Because of compounding, small differences in the rate lead to increasingly large differences in future value the longer the time period. A 1-2 percentage point difference in rate can result in a substantially different outcome over 20-30 years.
You can use it iteratively — try different monthly contribution amounts until the projected future value matches your target goal amount for your planned time horizon.
Disclaimer: The information, rates, and figures provided on this page are for educational and illustrative purposes only. All rates and examples shown are sample values and do not reflect current or actual market rates or guaranteed investment returns. Financial rules and regulations change frequently. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.