Investment Calculator
Project the future value of a lump sum plus regular contributions.
Future value
$284,669.80
Total invested
$130,000.00
Total return
$154,669.80
| Year | Value | Invested | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16,700.00 | $16,000.00 | $700.00 |
| 2 | $23,869.00 | $22,000.00 | $1,869.00 |
| 3 | $31,539.83 | $28,000.00 | $3,539.83 |
| 4 | $39,747.62 | $34,000.00 | $5,747.62 |
| 5 | $48,529.95 | $40,000.00 | $8,529.95 |
| 6 | $57,927.05 | $46,000.00 | $11,927.05 |
| 7 | $67,981.94 | $52,000.00 | $15,981.94 |
| 8 | $78,740.68 | $58,000.00 | $20,740.68 |
| 9 | $90,252.52 | $64,000.00 | $26,252.52 |
| 10 | $102,570.20 | $70,000.00 | $32,570.20 |
| 11 | $115,750.12 | $76,000.00 | $39,750.12 |
| 12 | $129,852.62 | $82,000.00 | $47,852.62 |
| 13 | $144,942.31 | $88,000.00 | $56,942.31 |
| 14 | $161,088.27 | $94,000.00 | $67,088.27 |
| 15 | $178,364.45 | $100,000.00 | $78,364.45 |
| 16 | $196,849.96 | $106,000.00 | $90,849.96 |
| 17 | $216,629.46 | $112,000.00 | $104,629.46 |
| 18 | $237,793.52 | $118,000.00 | $119,793.52 |
| 19 | $260,439.06 | $124,000.00 | $136,439.06 |
| 20 | $284,669.80 | $130,000.00 | $154,669.80 |
What is the Investment Calculator?
An investment calculator projects the future value of a lump sum plus recurring contributions at an expected rate of return.
How the calculation works
The initial amount grows at the annual return while each annual contribution is added and compounds for the remaining years.
Example
Investing $10,000 plus $6,000/year at 7% for 20 years grows to roughly $300,000, with about $130,000 contributed and the rest from growth.
Tips
- Reinvesting returns is what drives long-term growth.
- Diversify to manage risk for a given expected return.
- Review your assumed return periodically — 7% is a common long-run estimate, not a guarantee.
Limitations
Uses a single constant return and ignores taxes, fees, and market volatility.
Frequently asked questions
What return should I assume?
Many investors model a long-run average around 7% for diversified stocks, but actual returns vary widely year to year.
Lump sum vs regular contributions?
Both help; regular contributions add discipline and reduce timing risk.
Is this after taxes?
No — results are pre-tax and pre-fee; account type affects your real outcome.
Why does growth accelerate later?
Because returns compound on a larger balance as the years pass.
How is this different from compound interest?
It is the same math applied to investments with an expected return rather than a fixed savings rate.
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Reviewed for the 2025 tax year
See our methodology, data sources, and editorial policy. Educational use only — not financial, tax, or investment advice (disclaimer).