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Free toolEducational
Compound Interest Calculator
Project the future value of an initial investment plus regular monthly contributions, with an honest explanation of how returns are hypothetical.
The amount you're starting with today.
How much you add every month.
Hypothetical, not guaranteed. Try 0% to see contributions alone.
Compounding frequency
Currency
Enter an initial amount, a monthly contribution and a return rate to see the projection.
How it works
Compound interest means the interest you earn starts earning its own interest. Each period, growth is applied to the balance that now includes all previous growth, so the curve steepens over time. The calculator compounds monthly contributions at your chosen return rate.
The formula
value after n months = (previous balance × monthly factor) + contribution
A concrete example
Starting with nothing and investing $300 a month at a hypothetical 7% annual return for 30 years means you contribute $108,000 — and the projected balance is about $365,000. The extra $257,000 is the power of compounding.
What this calculator does not tell you
- Returns are hypothetical and not guaranteed. Investing always involves risk, including loss of principal.
- Real returns vary year to year; a flat average rate overstates the smoothness of actual markets.
- The projection ignores taxes, fees and inflation.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides a general educational estimate based entirely on the values you enter. It is not financial, investment, tax or legal advice, and it is not personalized. Prices, rates and market conditions change. Check with a qualified professional before acting on any estimate. Full disclaimer and our methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Nothing is guaranteed. Common long-run figures for broad stock-market indexes are roughly 7–10% before inflation, and lower after. For short horizons, use a lower, more conservative expectation — or leave the rate at 0% to see contributions alone.
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