Boneyard Tools

Future Value Calculator

See what money invested today could be worth later. Enter a starting amount, an annual rate, the number of years and how often it compounds, then add an optional monthly contribution to project the future value and the interest earned.

How to use the future value calculator

  1. Enter the present value you are starting with and the annual interest rate.
  2. Choose the number of years and how often the balance compounds.
  3. Add an optional monthly contribution, then read the future value and total interest.

Examples

1,000 at 5% for 10 years, compounded annually

present value 1000, rate 5%, 10 years, annual
Future value 1,628.89 with 628.89 in interest

Same, plus 100 saved every month

present value 1000, rate 5%, 10 years, 100 monthly
Future value 17,157.12 from 13,000 contributed

Frequently asked questions

What is future value?

Future value is what a sum of money invested today will be worth at a later date once it has earned interest. It depends on the amount invested, the rate of return, the time horizon and how often interest compounds.

What is the future value formula?

For a lump sum, FV = PV * (1 + r/n)^(n*t), where PV is the present value, r is the annual rate as a decimal, n is the number of compounding periods per year and t is the years. Monthly contributions add the future value of an ordinary annuity on top.

How are monthly contributions handled?

Each contribution is treated as a payment made at the end of the month and grown to the end of the term using the monthly rate. The tool sums the future value of those payments and adds it to the grown lump sum.

What is the difference between future value and total contributions?

Total contributions is the money you actually put in: the starting present value plus every monthly deposit. Future value is that money after growth, so future value minus contributions equals the interest earned.

Does this include taxes, fees or inflation?

No. The result is a nominal projection at the rate you enter, before taxes, account fees and inflation. Treat it as an estimate rather than a guaranteed outcome.

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