Investment Calculator – Plan Smarter, Grow Faster

Use this free Investment Calculator to project future value with compound interest and see the inflation-adjusted (real) result. Tweak rate, time, and compounding to compare scenarios for goals like retirement, education, or a big purchase.

What is an Investment Calculator?

An Investment Calculator estimates how much your money can grow over time using compound interest. Enter your starting amount, expected annual return, time horizon, and compounding frequency; optionally add inflation to see the real purchasing power of your future balance.

Why it matters (Benefits & Use Cases)

• Goal setting: project retirement or education funds with realistic return assumptions.
• Scenario testing: compare annual vs. monthly compounding and different rates/terms.
• Inflation awareness: avoid overestimating growth by looking at real (inflation-adjusted) value.
• Quick decisions: fast alternative to spreadsheets for investors and small businesses.

How it works (Plain English)

Your money earns interest; then that interest starts earning interest—this is compounding. The calculator applies the standard formula (1 + r/n)^(n·t) to grow your principal and then divides by (1 + i)^t to account for inflation, giving you a realistic picture of future value.

Pro Tips for Better Estimates

• Use long-term average returns, not last year’s performance.
• Include an inflation rate (2–4% typical historically) for long horizons.
• Re-run scenarios yearly as your goals and markets change.

FAQs