Future Value Calculator
Calculate the future value of your investments. See how a lump sum or regular payments will grow over time with compound interest at different compounding frequencies.
Future Value Projection
Future Value
$300,851
Total Interest
$170,851
131% gain
Value Breakdown
Calculation Type
Initial Investment
Annual Contributions
Monthly: $500 | Bi-weekly: $231
Growth Parameters
Investment Growth Over Time
Compounding Frequency Comparison
Difference between annual and daily compounding: $1,850
Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Year | Balance | Contributions | Interest Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16,919 | $16,000 | $919 |
| 3 | $32,294 | $28,000 | $4,294 |
| 5 | $49,973 | $40,000 | $9,973 |
| 7 | $70,299 | $52,000 | $18,299 |
| 9 | $93,671 | $64,000 | $29,671 |
| 11 | $120,544 | $76,000 | $44,544 |
| 13 | $151,443 | $88,000 | $63,443 |
| 15 | $186,971 | $100,000 | $86,971 |
| 17 | $227,820 | $112,000 | $115,820 |
| 19 | $274,790 | $124,000 | $150,790 |
| 20 | $300,851 | $130,000 | $170,851 |
Future Value Formulas
Lump Sum
FV = PV × (1 + r/n)^(n×t)
PV = Present Value, r = rate, n = compounds/year, t = years
Ordinary Annuity
FV = PMT × [((1+r)^n - 1) / r]
PMT = Payment amount, r = rate per period, n = periods
Quick Answer
Future value (FV) is what a present sum will be worth at a future date with compound interest. The formula is FV = PV × (1 + r)^n, where PV is present value, r is interest rate per period, and n is number of periods. $10,000 at 7% for 20 years grows to $38,696.84. Calculate at practicalwebtools.com.
Key Facts
- Future value formula: FV = PV × (1 + r)^n
- Compound interest accelerates growth over time
- Adding regular contributions significantly increases future value
- $500/month at 7% for 30 years = $567,000+
- Future value calculations are essential for retirement planning
- Higher return rate dramatically affects long-term results
- Time is the most powerful factor in future value growth
Frequently Asked Questions
Future value (FV) is the value of a current asset or sum of money at a specified date in the future, based on an assumed growth rate. It answers: "How much will my money be worth in X years?" This is the cornerstone of financial planning and investing.
Future value calculates what today's money will be worth in the future (compounding forward), while present value calculates what future money is worth today (discounting backward). They are inverse calculations using the same time value of money principles.
More frequent compounding produces higher future values. Money compounded daily grows faster than money compounded annually at the same rate. The difference becomes more significant with higher rates and longer time periods. Daily compounding at 5% yields an effective rate of 5.13%.
An ordinary annuity has payments at the end of each period (like most loans). An annuity due has payments at the beginning of each period (like rent). Annuity due has a higher future value because each payment has one extra period to earn interest.
For a lump sum: FV = PV × (1 + r)^n. For an annuity: FV = PMT × [((1 + r)^n - 1) / r]. Where PV = present value, r = interest rate per period, n = number of periods, PMT = payment amount. Combine both for deposits with regular additions.
Future value shows how much your savings will grow by retirement, accounting for compound interest and regular contributions. It helps determine if you're saving enough, compare different investment strategies, and set realistic retirement goals based on your current savings rate.
Future Value Projection
Future Value
$300,851
Total Interest
$170,851
131% gain