Investment Calculator: Estimate Compound Growth

See how regular investing and compounding can grow wealth over time. Adjust the numbers to explore different scenarios.

Also try the FIRE calculator — estimate your path to financial independence

Total contributed

$77,000.00

Interest earned

$99,471.69

Ending balance

$176,472

Growth over time

Accumulation schedule

YearStarting balanceDepositsInterestEnding balance
1$5,000.00$8,600.00$479.23$9,079.23
2$9,079.23$3,600.00$774.11$13,453.34
3$13,453.34$3,600.00$1,090.32$18,143.66
4$18,143.66$3,600.00$1,429.38$23,173.04
5$23,173.04$3,600.00$1,792.96$28,566.00
6$28,566.00$3,600.00$2,182.81$34,348.81
7$34,348.81$3,600.00$2,600.85$40,549.66
8$40,549.66$3,600.00$3,049.11$47,198.78
9$47,198.78$3,600.00$3,529.78$54,328.56
10$54,328.56$3,600.00$4,045.19$61,973.75
11$61,973.75$3,600.00$4,597.86$70,171.61
12$70,171.61$3,600.00$5,190.49$78,962.10
13$78,962.10$3,600.00$5,825.95$88,388.05
14$88,388.05$3,600.00$6,507.35$98,495.41
15$98,495.41$3,600.00$7,238.02$109,333
16$109,333$3,600.00$8,021.50$120,955
17$120,955$3,600.00$8,861.62$133,417
18$133,417$3,600.00$9,762.47$146,779
19$146,779$3,600.00$10,728.44$161,107
20$161,107$3,600.00$11,764.25$176,472

Figures are approximate illustrations only. Actual results depend on fees, taxes, inflation, market returns, and timing — nothing here is a prediction or investment advice.

How to read this investment calculator

This tool uses a steady annual return and monthly contributions to estimate future balance. Real portfolios move up and down; long-term averages are not what you experience every year.

The chart splits your ending balance into three parts: your original lump sum, everything you added later, and the portion created by compounding. The schedule shows deposits, interest, and balance step by step.

Use it to build intuition — for example, how starting earlier or increasing contributions changes the curve — then learn how to apply those ideas with context in the course.

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How compound interest works here

Compound interest shows how capital can grow when returns apply not only to your starting amount, but also to prior returns and contributions.

Use the calculator to compare scenarios — a larger starting balance, higher contributions, or a longer horizon — and see how the estimated outcome changes.

Limits of this estimate

The model does not include taxes, broker fees, changing returns, inflation (separately), or life events. Real markets move, so these figures are educational estimates — not guarantees.

Frequently asked questions

What does this investment calculator show?

It estimates how a starting balance, regular contributions, and an assumed return may affect your balance over time. It is an illustration, not a market forecast.

Does it include inflation and taxes?

The base model uses a nominal return without taxes or fees. For planning, consider inflation, taxes, and costs separately.

Why does compounding frequency matter?

Compounding means returns can earn returns. The frequency setting changes the equivalent monthly growth rate used in the model.

How should I read the chart?

The chart splits the ending balance into starting capital, contributions, and an estimated interest portion so you can see where growth comes from.