Investment Calculator
Project how your investments grow over time with contributions and compounding returns.
$
$
%
Future Value
$367,000
in 25 years at 8%
Investment Growth Over Time
The power of investing comes from compounding: your returns earn returns. Starting early matters more than investing more. Compare $300/month for 25 years vs. $600/month for 12 years — the earlier start wins despite investing the same total.
Historical Average Returns
| Asset Class | Avg Annual Return* |
|---|---|
| S&P 500 (stocks) | ~10% |
| Bonds (aggregate) | ~4–5% |
| Real estate (REITs) | ~8–9% |
| Cash/savings | ~1–4% |
*Historical averages, not guaranteed. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate investment returns?
Enter your initial investment, regular contributions, expected annual return, and time horizon. The calculator compounds returns monthly to project your future portfolio value.
What return rate should I use?
Historically, the S&P 500 averages about 10% annually before inflation. A conservative inflation-adjusted estimate is 6–7%. Bonds average 4–5%. Diversified portfolios typically use 6–8%.
What's the difference between this and compound interest?
They use the same math. This calculator is framed for investments (stocks, ETFs) while the compound interest calculator is framed for savings accounts and CDs.