How we calculate
Money is compounded monthly. The monthly rate is (1 + (return − fee))^(1/12) − 1; each month’s contribution is added at the start of the month and then grows.
Value in today’s money = final value ÷ (1 + inflation)^years. The “how much to invest” mode solves the same formula for the monthly amount.
The return is an assumption, not a promise. Past returns do not guarantee future ones, and investments can lose value.
Formulas and rates checked: 10/21/2026
Questions
- What return should I enter?
- Use a careful assumption for your type of investment and compare several. The calculator shows what follows from it; it does not predict markets.
- Why do fees matter so much?
- A fee is taken every year from the whole amount, so over decades a 1 % fee can take a large part of the growth. Try it with and without.
- Does it include taxes?
- No. Tax on investment gains differs by country and situation.