Investment Calculator
Project investment value from lump sum plus monthly contributions
Project investment growth from a lump sum plus monthly contributions, compounded at your chosen expected annual return over a set number of years.
What this tool does
This calculator projects the future value of an investment by combining an initial lump sum with regular monthly contributions, then applying a specified annual return rate over your chosen timeframe. It returns four key outputs: the estimated total value at the end, how much you contributed in total, how much came from growth, and the final multiple showing how many times your contributions grew. The monthly contribution amount and the annual return rate have the largest impact on the final result. For example, someone starting with an initial amount and adding fixed monthly deposits might use this to model how their balance could develop. The calculation assumes consistent monthly contributions and a steady annual return applied each month. Results are estimates for illustration purposes and don't account for fees, taxes, inflation, or market volatility.
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Formula Used
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Disclaimer
Results are estimates for educational purposes only. They do not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
The Power of Consistent Contributions
Time and regularity matter more than the initial lump sum for long-horizon investing. A 1,000 lump sum plus 200 monthly over 30 years at 7 percent compounds to roughly 250,000 — only 73,000 of which is contributions. The remaining 177,000 is compound growth.
Realistic Return Assumptions
Long-run historical equity returns average roughly 7 percent after inflation. Bond portfolios return 2-4 percent after inflation. A 60/40 stock-bond portfolio typically projects at 5-6 percent real return. Using higher assumptions produces rosier numbers but misleads when compared to history.
Quick example
With initial investment of 1,000 and monthly contribution of 200 (plus annual return of 7 and years of 30), the result is 252,106.13. Change any figure and watch the output shift — it's often more useful to see the pattern than to memorise the formula.
Which inputs matter most
You enter Initial Investment, Monthly Contribution, Annual Return, and Years. The rate and the time horizon usually dominate — compounding means a small change in either reshapes the final figure more than a similar shift in contribution size. Test this by doubling one input at a time.
What's happening under the hood
Standard future value formula for a lump sum plus annuity. Monthly rate is annual rate divided by 12; number of periods is years times 12. Results are estimates for illustration purposes only. The formula is listed in full below. If the number looks off, you can retrace the calculation by hand — that's the point of showing the working.
Using this well
What this doesn't capture
Steady-rate math ignores real-world volatility. Actual returns are lumpy; sequence-of-returns risk matters most in drawdown; fees and taxes drag on compound growth; and behaviour changes in drawdowns can reduce outcomes below the projection. The number represents one scenario rather than a forecast.
Investment projection indicates 252,110.70 future value.
Inputs
This example uses typical values for illustration. Adjust the inputs above to match a specific situation and see how the result changes.
Sources & Methodology
Methodology
This calculator computes future value using the standard compound interest formula applied to two components: an initial lump sum and regular monthly contributions. The lump sum grows at a compound rate over the full investment period. Monthly contributions are treated as an ordinary annuity, growing from the point each payment is made. The annual return rate is converted to a monthly rate by dividing by 12, and the total number of periods is calculated as years multiplied by 12. The calculation assumes a constant monthly rate of return throughout the period and that contributions are made at consistent intervals. Results do not account for investment fees, taxes, inflation, or variations in actual returns over time. The output represents an illustration based on the inputs provided and should not be treated as a forecast.
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What return should I assume?
Is the return compounded monthly?
Does this account for taxes?
What about fees?
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