Track growth from deposits and returns across schedules. Include fees, taxes, and rising contributions easily. Download clear schedules and compare outcomes with confidence today.
| Initial | Contribution | Years | Return | Compounding | Estimated Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 | 200 / month | 10 | 8% / year | Monthly | ~51,000 |
| 25,000 | 0 | 15 | 7% / year | Monthly | ~68,900 |
| 5,000 | 150 / week | 7 | 6% / year | Weekly | ~70,000 |
For a fixed annual rate r compounded n times per year, one compounding event uses: Balance × (1 + r/n).
When contributions are present (and may not align with compounding), this calculator uses a time-step simulation. It schedules contribution events and compounding events on a shared timeline using the least common multiple of the chosen frequencies.
Real final value is shown as: Real Final = Final / (1 + i)t, where i is inflation and t is years.
Compounding transforms periodic returns into accelerating growth because each period’s gains become part of the next period’s base. The effect is strongest when the return rate is steady and the holding period is long. Higher compounding frequency slightly increases growth for positive rates, but the time invested and the size of the balance matter more. When contributions are added, the timing of deposits determines how many compounding events each deposit receives.
Regular contributions can dominate results, especially early in a plan. Deposits made at the beginning of a period earn one extra period of return versus end-of-period deposits. If contributions rise each year, the later deposits are larger but have less time to compound. Balancing increasing deposits with a long horizon can stabilize the growth path and reduce sensitivity to short-term return assumptions.
Percentage-based fees reduce the balance and therefore lower future compounding. Even a small annual fee can meaningfully shrink the ending value over multi-year horizons. Taxes on gains reduce net growth and can introduce year-to-year variability if gains fluctuate. Modeling fees and taxes alongside returns helps avoid overstating projected balances and supports more realistic scenario comparisons.
CAGR summarizes growth as a single annualized rate, making comparisons across scenarios easier. However, it can hide path dependence created by contributions, fees, and taxes. The year-by-year schedule reveals how much of the ending balance comes from contributions versus earned growth. Reviewing cumulative gain alongside fees and taxes clarifies whether performance or savings behavior is driving results.
Inflation-adjusted values translate future balances into today’s purchasing power. A strong nominal outcome may still deliver modest real growth when inflation is elevated. Comparing nominal and real final balances helps set practical targets, such as retirement income needs or down-payment goals. Real-value checks also encourage conservative assumptions when planning across longer horizons. Stress test outcomes by running lower returns and higher costs; this highlights how contribution discipline and time reduce reliance on markets assumptions.
Q: What does this calculator estimate?
A: It estimates how an investment balance can grow when returns compound, while including contributions, fees, taxes, and inflation-adjusted results over a chosen time horizon.
Q: Why can contribution timing change results?
A: Deposits made at the beginning of a period receive an extra compounding event compared with end-of-period deposits, which can raise the ending balance over long horizons.
Q: How are fees handled?
A: Annual fees are applied as a percentage of the year-end balance, reducing the account value and lowering the base that compounds in future periods.
Q: How is tax modeled here?
A: Tax is applied to positive yearly gains after subtracting that year’s contributions. If the year’s net gain is negative, no tax is applied in this simplified approach.
Q: What does the inflation-adjusted final value mean?
A: It converts the ending balance into today’s purchasing power using the inflation rate and time horizon, helping you compare future outcomes in real terms.
Q: Is this an exact forecast?
A: No. It is a scenario tool that depends on assumptions about returns, costs, and behavior. Use it to compare options and stress-test ranges, not to predict exact results.
Use CSV for spreadsheets. Use PDF for sharing.
Exports use the displayed year-by-year schedule.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.