Investment Return Calculator
Compound growth: what consistent investing actually builds over time.
Projected Value
Your money multiplied
Year-by-Year Growth
| Year | Value | Contributions | Interest |
|---|
🏠 Real Estate Investment Analyzer Bundle — $49
The free calculator gives you one number. The workbook gives you the whole deal: cap rate, monthly cash flow, house-hacking math, and 5-year projections — in Excel or Google Sheets. One-time $49, instant download, 30-day money-back guarantee.
See what's inside → Buy the bundle — $49 →📈 Start Investing
The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is today. Brokerage accounts differ in commissions, fees, and fund menus — compare options and check each firm's current fee schedule.
Try the free compound interest calculator →How investment returns work — fees, allocation, dollar-cost averaging ▸
Whether you're saving for retirement, a house, or financial independence, you need a plan. Our free investment calculator shows how your money grows with different contributions, returns, and timeframes.
How to Use the Calculator
Enter your details:
- Initial investment — What you're starting with
- Monthly contribution — What you add each month
- Expected return — Annual growth rate (7-10% for stocks historically)
- Time horizon — How many years until you need the money
The Impact of Fees
Fees destroy returns. Here's what a 1% fee costs on a $500/month investment at 8% over 30 years:
- No fee: $745,000
- 0.5% fee: $697,000 (-$48,000)
- 1.0% fee: $652,000 (-$93,000)
- 1.5% fee: $610,000 (-$135,000)
Use low-cost index funds (expense ratios under 0.20%) instead of expensive actively managed funds.
Asset Allocation by Age
| Age | Stocks | Bonds |
|---|---|---|
| 20s-30s | 90% | 10% |
| 40s | 80% | 20% |
| 50s | 70% | 30% |
| 60s+ | 60% | 40% |
Dollar-Cost Averaging vs. Lump Sum
Research shows lump sum investing wins 66% of the time because markets trend up. But dollar-cost averaging (investing monthly) reduces the risk of bad timing and is better for most people psychologically.
💡 Start Investing Today
Brokerage accounts differ in commissions, fees, and fund menus — compare options and check each firm's current fee schedule.
Try the free investment calculator →The Bottom Line
Use our investment calculator to map your path. The most important factors: start early, contribute consistently, keep fees low, and stay invested through market downturns.
Related: Compound Interest Calculator | Retirement Calculator
🏠 Real Estate Investment Analyzer Bundle — $49
The free calculator gives you one number. The workbook gives you the whole deal: cap rate, monthly cash flow, house-hacking math, and 5-year projections — in Excel or Google Sheets. One-time $49, instant download, 30-day money-back guarantee.
See what's inside → Buy the bundle — $49 →Related: Pay Off Debt or Invest? The Real Math | Compound Interest Calculator