Investment Growth Calculator
How Does Your Money Grow Over Time?
Investing is one of the most effective ways to build wealth over time. Whether you’re saving for retirement, a house, or your children’s education, understanding how your money grows can help you make smarter financial decisions. This calculator estimates how much your investments will be worth in the future, factoring in compound interest and regular monthly contributions.
Worked Example
An initial investment of $5,000, with $200 contributed monthly, at a 7% annual return, over 20 years, grows to approximately $124,379 – made up of $53,000 in total contributions and over $71,000 in compound growth. Try adjusting the numbers above to see how a longer timeline or higher contribution changes your result.
Benefits of Understanding Compound Growth
- See how compound interest accelerates growth the longer you invest
- Compare different contribution strategies side by side
- Plan realistically for retirement, education, or a major purchase
- Understand how increasing your monthly contribution or timeline affects your final wealth
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this calculator consider taxes?
No – results are pre-tax. Your real investment returns may be lower after taxes.
What interest rate should I use?
Historical averages are typically 6-8% for stock-heavy portfolios, or 2-4% for more conservative bond-heavy portfolios.
What if I’m not making monthly contributions?
Leave the monthly contribution field at 0, and it will calculate growth from just your initial investment.
Is it better to invest a lump sum or contribute monthly?
Both strategies work – monthly contributions can reduce risk by spreading your investment over time.
Does inflation affect these results?
This calculator does not adjust for inflation, so your real (inflation-adjusted) returns may be lower than shown.
Can this replace professional financial advice?
No – use it as an estimation tool alongside, not instead of, professional financial planning.