Plan for the long run
Enter how much you plan to invest each month, an expected annual return and the number of years to see the estimated future value, how much you contributed and how much came from growth. It's a quick way to test goals like retirement savings, a 401(k) or IRA, a brokerage account or a college fund.
Add a yearly step-up to raise contributions as your income grows, or switch to a one-time investment. An optional inflation rate shows what the final amount is worth in today's dollars, and a year-by-year chart shows your contributions against the growing balance.
How to estimate investment growth
- 1
Choose monthly or one-time
Regular contributions or a lump sum.
- 2
Enter the amount, return and years
Use a realistic long-term return.
- 3
Add a step-up or inflation (optional)
For a more realistic plan.
- 4
Review the growth
Future value, gains and the yearly chart.
Key features
Monthly or lump sum
Both in one calculator.
Yearly step-up
Increase contributions with raises.
Inflation adjustment
Results in today's dollars.
Growth chart
Contributions vs. value each year.
Common uses
- Retirement planning: See whether your 401(k) or IRA contributions are on track.
- College savings: Estimate a 529 plan balance by the time a child turns 18.
- Comparing strategies: Monthly investing vs. investing a lump sum.
What $500 a month could become at 8% a year
| Years | Total contributed | Estimated value |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | $60,000 | $92,083 |
| 20 | $120,000 | $296,474 |
| 30 | $180,000 | $750,148 |
| 40 | $240,000 | $1,757,141 |
Illustrative only: real returns vary from year to year and are not guaranteed. Starting 10 years earlier more than doubles the outcome.
Tips and good to know
- Many planners assume 6–8% a year for a diversified stock portfolio and less for bonds. Try a few rates to see a range of outcomes.
- Contribute at least enough to get your full employer 401(k) match; it's an instant return on your money.
- For savings accounts and CDs, use the Compound Interest Calculator.