🔮 Future Value Calculator
Compound interest is growth on growth: each year's earnings join the principal and earn in every year after. This calculator applies that snowball to a single lump sum, showing what patient money becomes over your chosen horizon.
The result is extremely sensitive to the rate and the number of years — small changes in either move the answer a lot, which is exactly why starting early matters so much.
How to use this calculator
Enter a present amount, the annual rate and the number of years to see what the lump sum grows into with compounding.
- Enter the Present value (the lump sum today).
- Type the Annual interest rate as a percentage.
- Set the Years to grow.
- Press Calculate to see the future value and the interest earned.
Frequently asked questions
How does the future value formula work?
The present amount is multiplied by one plus the rate, raised to the number of years. $5,000 at 7% for 10 years becomes about $9,835.76, with $4,835.76 of that being interest.
Why do small rate changes matter so much?
Because compounding is exponential, not linear. One extra percentage point over decades can add tens of percent to the final balance.
Does it include ongoing contributions?
No, this is a single lump sum. For regular monthly additions use the savings calculator instead.
What if I enter zero years?
The future value equals the present value, since no time passes for growth.