Future Value Calculator
Project what one present lump sum could become at a fixed annual rate and compounding frequency.
Content updated July 31, 2026
Models one lump sum with a fixed nominal rate and equal compounding periods. It excludes contributions, withdrawals, fees, tax, and inflation.
Future value estimates what one amount today could grow to after a chosen number of years. It applies compound interest, so every completed period adds interest to the balance and later periods earn interest on that larger amount.
Use it for a single deposit or investment with no later cash flows. Enter the present amount, nominal annual rate, time, and compounding frequency to see the projected balance and growth.
The Future Value formula
FV = PV × (1 + r/n)^(n × t)FV = future value · PV = present lump sum · r = nominal annual rate as a decimal · n = compounding periods per year · t = years.
Worked example
A $10,000 lump sum at a 6% nominal annual rate compounded monthly for 10 years has FV = 10,000 × (1 + 0.06/12)¹²⁰ ≈ $18,193.97.
Assumptions, rounding, and limitations
Assumptions
- There is one starting lump sum and no later cash flow.
- The nominal annual rate and compounding frequency remain fixed.
- Compounding periods are equal and the balance stays invested.
Rounding: Calculations retain full floating-point precision; money is displayed to two decimal places.
Limitations
- Does not model contributions, withdrawals, fees, tax, inflation, variable returns, or investment losses.
- An assumed return is not a guaranteed return.
Sources
- Compound Interest Calculator — U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Investor.gov
- How does compound interest work? — U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
What changes future value
Time and rate have a compounding effect rather than a linear one. A longer period gives more interest credits the chance to earn their own interest, while more frequent compounding adds a smaller increase when the quoted nominal rate is unchanged.
The projection is deterministic, but real investment returns and many savings rates are not. Try a range of rates and treat the output as a scenario, not a promise.
Frequently asked questions
▶What is future value?
Future value is the projected amount that a present sum reaches after growing for a specified time at an assumed rate.
▶How is future value calculated?
For one lump sum, multiply the present amount by (1 + r/n) raised to n×t, where r is the annual rate, n is compounding periods per year, and t is years.
▶Does this calculator include regular deposits?
No. It models one starting lump sum only. Use the compound interest or investment calculator when you also make recurring contributions.
▶Does future value account for inflation or tax?
No. The result is nominal and excludes inflation, tax, fees, and withdrawals unless you deliberately incorporate those effects into the rate yourself.
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Open calculator →See how a lump sum plus optional regular deposits grows over time with compound interest.
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Open calculator →Disclaimer: Future Value Calculator results are estimates for general information and education only, and are not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify important decisions with a qualified professional.