Investment Return Calculator

Calculate your investment growth over time with monthly contributions and compound returns. See projected future value and total interest earned.

Enter Your Details

$
$
%

Frequently Asked Questions

How does compound interest affect my investment returns?
Compound interest means you earn returns not only on your original investment but also on previously accumulated interest. Over long periods this creates exponential growth. For example, $10,000 invested at 8% annually becomes about $46,610 after 20 years without any additional contributions, compared to just $26,000 with simple interest.
What is a realistic annual return to expect?
The S&P 500 has historically returned about 10% annually before inflation, or roughly 7% after inflation. Conservative portfolios with bonds may return 4-6%, while aggressive growth portfolios might target 8-12%. Your actual return depends on asset allocation, market conditions, and investment timeline.
Why are monthly contributions so powerful?
Monthly contributions leverage dollar-cost averaging and give compound interest more capital to work with over time. Contributing $500 per month at 8% return for 20 years adds over $294,000 in total, but the final value exceeds $589,000 because each contribution compounds from the date it is made.

Related Calculators

Related Guides