Future Value Calculator

Initial deposit amount

Amount of your initial deposit, or account balance, as of the present value date.

Start date

This is the starting date for your future value calculation. If you have an initial deposit it will be made on this date. If you have an existing account or investment, the amount you enter into the "initial deposit" should be the value of that account or investment on the start date. The tool also assumes that this is the date of the first periodic payment if deposits are made at the beginning of a period.

End date

Day to calculate the future value.

Periodic deposit (withdrawal)

The amount that you plan on adding to this savings or investment each period.

Deposit frequency

The frequency of your periodic deposits. Periods options include weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and semi-annually and annually. You can choose to make deposits at the beginning or the end of each period.

Rate of return

The rate of return for this investment or savings account. The actual rate of return is largely dependent on the types of investments you select. The Standard & Poor's 500® (S&P 500®) for the 10 years ending December 31^st 2022, had an annual compounded rate of return of 12.6%, including reinvestment of dividends. From January 1, 1970 to December 31^st 2022, the average annual compounded rate of return for the S&P 500®, including reinvestment of dividends, was approximately 10.7% (source: www.spglobal.com). Since 1970, the highest 12-month return was 61% (June 1982 through June 1983). The lowest 12-month return was -43% (March 2008 to March 2009). Savings accounts at a financial institution may pay as little as 0.25% or less but carry significantly lower risk of loss of principal balances.

It is important to remember that these scenarios are hypothetical and that future rates of return can't be predicted with certainty and that investments that pay higher rates of return are generally subject to higher risk and volatility. The actual rate of return on investments can vary widely over time, especially for long-term investments. This includes the potential loss of principal on your investment. It is not possible to invest directly in an index and the compounded rate of return noted above does not reflect sales charges and other fees that investment funds and/or investment companies may charge.

Compounding method

This calculator allows you to choose the frequency that your investment's interest or income is added to your account. The more frequently this occurs, the sooner your accumulated earnings will generate additional earnings. For stock and mutual fund investments, you should usually choose 'Annual'. For savings accounts and CDs, all of the options are valid, although you will need to check with your financial institution to find out how often interest is being compounded on your particular investment.

Deposits at beginning

Check here to make all future periodic deposits or withdrawals at the beginning of each period. Uncheck this box for the end of the period.