See how your money grows over time with compound interest. This calculator shows the power of compound growth with timeline visualization and multiple contribution types.
This calculator helps you project how savings or investments can grow over time with recurring contributions and compound returns. Enter a starting amount, add monthly contributions, choose your expected annual return, and set the compounding frequency. The results show a yearly balance timeline along with totals for contributions and growth so you can compare scenarios quickly.
As a general planning baseline, many diversified, long‑term portfolios assume a 6–7% average annual return before inflation. Conservative scenarios might use 3–4% (bonds/savings), while aggressive stock‑heavy assumptions may range 8–10% with higher volatility. The right number depends on risk tolerance and time horizon. To understand how cash buffers or debt payoff compare, try the Emergency Fund and Debt Payoff calculators.
Compounding frequency (annual, quarterly, monthly, daily) changes how often returns are applied. Over long periods the difference between monthly and annual compounding is modest compared with your savings rate and time in the market. Focus first on consistent contributions and realistic return assumptions, then stress‑test variations.
For diversified long‑term investing, 6–7% is a common historical average before inflation. Use lower rates for conservative planning and higher rates only if you accept more risk and variability.
It matters, but not as much as contribution size, time horizon, and the average return you assume. Over long periods, increasing your monthly contribution usually has a larger impact than switching from annual to monthly compounding.
Compare your expected investment return to your loan’s interest rate. If the loan APR is higher than your likely return, paying it down often provides a risk‑free “return.” Also maintain a cash buffer—see the Emergency Fund tool.
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Please retain attribution. The calculator runs entirely client‑side.