See how regular deposits grow under realistic returns. Compare fees, taxes, and inflation impacts quickly. Track yearly milestones and export results for your records.
Sample inputs and a typical outcome for quick testing.
| Initial | Deposit | Years | Return | Fee | Inflation | Tax | Typical Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000.00 | $250.00/month | 15 | 7.50% | 0.75% | 3.00% | 10.00% | A higher return increases growth; fees reduce compounding. |
The calculator applies compound growth and deposits in discrete steps. It converts the annual return into a per-step rate using an effective-rate approach: rstep = (1 + r)1/steps − 1.
Each step updates the balance by growth, adds the deposit (beginning or end), then deducts proportional fees. Taxes are estimated on ending gains only: tax = max(0, ending − contributions) × taxRate.
Inflation adjustment reports real value using: real = nominal ÷ (1 + inflation)years.
Regular deposits matter more than many assume. Depositing $200 monthly for 20 years adds $48,000 of new principal, before any growth. Switching to weekly deposits keeps the same total but gives each deposit more time to earn, which can lift the ending balance slightly. Longer horizons amplify this effect because earlier contributions compound for more periods. Even small step-ups raise the final total materially.
The calculator treats the return rate as an effective annual rate and converts it into a per‑step growth rate. A 7.00% gross return with a 0.50% annual fee does not feel large, yet fees compound too. Over decades, a half‑percent fee can reduce the ending balance by thousands, especially at higher balances. Use the fee field to compare low‑cost and higher‑cost options under the same deposits.
Nominal balances can look impressive while buying power stays flat. If inflation is 3.00% annually, then 100 currency units today require about 180 units in 20 years. The real balance line adjusts for this by discounting each year’s ending value. Use the real ending figure to set goals in today’s terms, not in future inflated amounts.
Taxes are estimated on ending gains only, which keeps the model simple and consistent. If your ending balance is $120,000 and total contributions are $70,000, gains are $50,000. With a 10% tax rate, the estimate is $5,000 and the after‑tax ending becomes $115,000. This view helps you compare taxable and tax‑advantaged accounts using the same assumptions.
Use the goal field to estimate when you cross a target amount under your inputs. Export the yearly schedule to CSV for spreadsheet scenarios, or PDF for a clean one‑page record. Run three cases: conservative (lower return, higher inflation), base (your best estimate), and optimistic (higher return, lower fees). The differences highlight which lever matters most.
Use a long‑term estimate that matches your asset mix. Many diversified portfolios model 4%–8% annually. For conservative planning, test a lower rate and compare it to your base case before committing to a goal.
Fees are deducted throughout the year, so they reduce both the balance and future compounding. Even 0.50% annually can create a meaningful gap over long horizons. Use the same deposits and vary only the fee to see the drag.
Nominal values ignore inflation, so they can overstate future purchasing power. Real values discount the balance using your inflation rate, expressing results in today’s money. Use real numbers when setting goals for spending.
Taxes are applied only to estimated gains at the end of the horizon: ending balance minus total contributions. This is a simplified approach and may differ from real account rules, yearly distributions, or withdrawals.
Yes. Deposits made at the beginning of a period start compounding sooner than deposits made at the end. Over many years, that extra time can add up, especially with frequent deposits like weekly or monthly contributions.
Run one set of inputs, download the CSV or PDF, then change assumptions and run again. Keep the exports side‑by‑side to compare how return, inflation, fees, and deposit increases shift the 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.