Investment Calculator
Estimate possible investment growth from an initial amount, recurring contributions, assumed annual return, and time period.
Inputs
Result
Enter values on the left and select Calculate to see the result here.
What the Investment Calculator does
- Estimates a possible investment balance from an initial amount, recurring contributions, contribution frequency, assumed annual return, and time period.
- Shows total contributed separately from estimated growth so the projection is easier to interpret.
- Uses a constant assumed return for comparison; it does not guarantee future returns or model market volatility.
How to use the Investment Calculator
- Select the display currency and enter the amount already invested or planned as the starting amount.
- Enter the recurring contribution and choose whether it is weekly, monthly, or yearly.
- Enter an assumed annual return and the number of years to project.
- Treat the ending balance as a scenario estimate based on your inputs, not a forecast or recommendation.
Formula / methodology used
- The calculator converts the assumed annual return into a per-period return based on the selected contribution frequency.
- For each period, it applies the period return to the current balance and then adds the recurring contribution.
- Total contributed equals the initial amount plus all recurring contributions during the projection.
- Estimated growth equals estimated ending balance minus total contributed, rounded for display.
Example calculation
$2,000 initial investment, $50 weekly contribution, 7% assumed annual return for 8 years.
- Periods = 8 years × 52 weeks = 416 weekly periods
- Total contributed = $2,000 + ($50 × 416) = $22,800
- Per-period assumed return = 7% ÷ 52
- Apply growth each week, then add the $50 contribution
Result: The estimated ending balance is about $31,357.67, including about $8,557.67 of estimated growth above contributions.
Common mistakes and limitations
- Future investment returns are not guaranteed, and investment values can rise or fall.
- The projection may not include platform fees, fund charges, bid/ask spreads, tax, inflation, withdrawals, contribution limits, risk level, currency risk, or personal circumstances.
- A constant assumed return does not represent real market volatility or sequence-of-returns risk.
- The model assumes contributions are made at the end of each selected period.
Important note
This calculator is for educational estimates only and is not investment, financial, tax, pension, or retirement advice. Consider regulated advice for decisions involving risk.
Investment Calculator FAQs
Does this guarantee future investment returns?
No. It uses the assumed return you enter to create a projection. Real investment performance can be higher or lower, and losses are possible.
Does it include investment fees or taxes?
No. Platform fees, fund charges, taxes, inflation, currency effects, withdrawals, and contribution limits are not modeled unless you adjust your return assumption to reflect them.
What return should I enter?
Use a cautious assumption that reflects the scenario you want to test. The calculator cannot choose a suitable return or risk level for your personal circumstances.
How are contributions timed?
The calculator applies growth for each period and then adds that period's contribution, so different real contribution timing could produce different results.