Calculator inputs
The page uses a three column grid on large screens, two columns on smaller screens, and one column on mobile.
Example data table
This sample uses the default inputs shown in the calculator.
| Sample input | Value | Sample output | Approximate result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial investment | $ 10,000 | Nominal future worth | $ 113,669.42 |
| Monthly contribution | $ 500 | After tax future worth | $ 105,297.34 |
| Annual return | 8% | Real future worth | $ 82,258.11 |
| Years | 10 | Total contributed | $ 70,000.00 |
| Tax rate | 15% | Gross investment growth | $ 43,669.42 |
| Inflation rate | 2.5% | After tax investment growth | $ 35,297.34 |
Formula used
FWlump = P × (1 + i)n
FWseries = A × [((1 + i)n - 1) / i]
FWdue = FWseries × (1 + i)
EAR = (1 + r / c)c - 1
i = (1 + EAR)1 / m - 1
Real FW = After tax FW / (1 + f)t
Where:
- P = initial investment
- A = recurring contribution
- i = rate per contribution period
- n = total number of contribution periods
- r = nominal annual return
- c = compounding periods per year
- m = contribution periods per year
- f = annual inflation rate
- t = total years
When contribution growth is not zero, the calculator uses a period by period simulation instead of a single closed form shortcut.
How to use this calculator
- Enter a currency label for display and export.
- Add your starting investment amount.
- Enter the recurring contribution for each chosen contribution period.
- Set the expected annual return and investment length.
- Choose compounding frequency and contribution frequency.
- Select whether deposits happen at the beginning or end of each period.
- Optionally add yearly contribution growth, taxes, and inflation assumptions.
- Click Calculate future worth to see summary results, chart, and the yearly schedule.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to export the output.
FAQs
1) What does future worth mean?
Future worth is the projected value of your money at a chosen date after growth, regular deposits, and compounding are applied.
2) Why are there gross, after tax, and real values?
Gross value shows pure growth. After tax value reduces returns by your tax assumption. Real value further adjusts for inflation to show purchasing power.
3) What is the difference between compounding and contribution frequency?
Compounding controls how often returns are added. Contribution frequency controls how often you deposit money. They can be different and still be modeled correctly.
4) When should I choose beginning of period deposits?
Choose beginning of period when deposits are made before growth starts for that period, such as automatic transfers posted at the start of each month.
5) Why does inflation matter here?
Inflation reduces purchasing power over time. A balance may look large in nominal terms but buy less in the future than it would today.
6) Does this calculator guarantee investment returns?
No. It is a planning tool based on assumptions you enter. Real market returns vary and may be higher or lower than projected values.
7) Can I model increasing contributions?
Yes. Use the yearly contribution growth field to increase or decrease recurring deposits each year based on salary growth or budget changes.
8) Why is the schedule useful?
The schedule helps you inspect balances over time, compare progress against goals, and export a clean planning report for later review.