How to use the future value calculator
- Present value: lump sum today (0 allowed). Monthly deposit: fixed addition each month (0 allowed).
- Annual rate: expected return; compounding is monthly. Years: length of the plan.
- Future value is the ending balance; interest earned ≈ FV minus all money you put in.
- For “how much do I need today?”, use present value.
Future value formula (monthly)
FV ≈ PV(1+i)n + PMT×((1+i)n−1)/i
i = annual rate ÷ 12, n = years × 12, payments at end of each month.
Example
$5,000 today, $200/month, 5% for 10 years → future value on the order of $38k+ (see live results).
When to use compound interest instead
Schedules, uneven flows, inflation, and tax: compound interest calculator. Retirement scenarios: retirement calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is future value (FV)?
Future value is the projected ending balance if today’s deposit and fixed monthly contributions grow at your annual rate with compounding. It answers “how much might I have if I keep saving this way”—not a guaranteed outcome.
Can present value or monthly deposit be zero?
Yes. Zero present value means contributions-only; zero monthly deposit means lump-sum growth only. Both cannot be zero. Results split growth from the starting balance versus from deposits.
How does this pair with present value?
The present value calculator discounts a goal backward; this page projects forward. If you know a target, use PV first, then verify the path here with the same rate and years.
How is this different from compound interest?
This page is a TVM shortcut: fixed monthly deposit, fixed rate, monthly compounding. The compound interest calculator adds schedules, withdrawals, inflation, tax, and other frequencies. Use compound interest for tables and exports; use this page for a quick lump-sum-plus-monthly estimate.
How do I read total paid in versus interest?
Total paid in is starting deposit plus all monthly contributions (no growth). Interest is ending FV minus that total—the modeled compounding piece. At 0% rate, FV ≈ total paid in; longer horizons and higher rates usually raise the interest share.
What annual rate should I enter?
Enter a long-run planning assumption—match the discount rate on the PV page if you are cross-checking. Not a market forecast; fees and taxes are not modeled.
What timing assumptions are used?
Monthly compounding; deposits at month-end. Fractional years convert to whole months. Different product timing will shift results slightly.
Can I share my scenario?
Yes. Use copy link below the form to share the same numbers with someone else or keep the scenario for your records.