See how a lump sum and optional yearly additions grow at a given return. Enter the initial amount, return, and time.
Usage Tip
Low-cost, diversified, long-held investments historically beat frequent trading after fees. Time in the market is the main lever.
P = initial, C = annual addition, r = annual return, t = years
The growth multiple shows how many times your invested money you end up with.
Fees and taxes reduce real returns and are not included.
Reinvested dividends are a large part of long-run stock returns, so assume returns include them.
Investment growth depends on three things: the starting amount, the rate of return, and time. Because returns are earned on earlier returns as well as on the original amount, growth accelerates over time, which is why starting early matters more than many people expect. Adding a fixed amount each year increases the final balance further.
The result assumes a steady return every year, but real investments rise and fall, so actual outcomes will differ. Fees reduce the return you keep, and taxes and inflation reduce what the final amount can buy. Use the calculator to compare scenarios, such as a slightly lower return or a smaller yearly addition, to see how sensitive the outcome is.