Investment Return Calculator
Project your investment growth with our free calculator. Calculate future value, total returns, CAGR, and view year-by-year breakdowns with compound interest.
This is a hypothetical projection. Actual results will vary.
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How to Use
- 1 Enter initial investment — Input the amount you're starting with or planning to invest upfront.
- 2 Add monthly contributions — Enter how much you plan to add each month. Regular contributions significantly boost growth.
- 3 Set expected return and period — Enter your expected annual return rate and investment time horizon in years.
- 4 Review projections — See your projected future value, total returns, and year-by-year breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a realistic expected return?
Historical stock market returns average 7-10% annually after inflation. Conservative estimates use 6-7%, while aggressive growth portfolios might assume 8-10%. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
How does compound frequency affect returns?
More frequent compounding (monthly vs annually) results in slightly higher returns because interest earns interest sooner. The difference is usually small but adds up over long periods.
What is CAGR?
CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) shows the smoothed annual return rate, as if growth were steady each year. It's useful for comparing investments with different volatility patterns.
Should I adjust for inflation?
Adjusting for inflation shows your investment's purchasing power in today's dollars. A 7% return with 3% inflation means about 4% real growth. This gives a more realistic view of future wealth.