Future Value Calculator
Enter a starting amount, an annual rate, a term, and a compounding frequency to see what a lump sum grows to.
Grow a lump sum
The amount invested today, up to $1 trillion.
The nominal annual rate, from -50% through 100%.
Decimals allowed, such as 2.5, from 0 through 200 years.
$10,000.00 grows to this amount over 10 years with compounding.
- Interest earned
- $8,193.97
- Starting amount
- $10,000.00
How future value is calculated
Future value grows a present lump sum forward in time at a nominal annual rate. When interest compounds more than once a year, the annual rate is split across each period and applied repeatedly, so more frequent compounding produces a slightly larger balance.
FV = PV × (1 + r/n)n·Years- FV
- Future value at the end of the term
- PV
- Present value invested today
- r
- Nominal annual rate, as a decimal
- n
- Compounding periods per year
$10,000 at 6% for 10 years, compounded monthly
A $10,000 lump sum at a 6% nominal annual rate, compounded monthly (n = 12) for 10 years, grows to $10,000 × (1 + 0.06/12)120 = $18,193.97. Of that balance, $8,193.97 is interest earned and $10,000 is the original amount.
This is an educational calculation based only on the values you provide, and it is not financial advice.
What this calculator assumes
- A single lump sum with no additional contributions.
- The rate stays constant across the term.
- Interest compounds at the frequency you select.
- No fees, taxes, or inflation adjustment are modeled.
- Money values are rounded to the nearest cent for display.
Future value FAQ
Can I enter the period in months, days, or exact dates?
Yes. Use the unit switch on the Years field to type the period in years, months, or days — or pick start and end dates from the calendar. Every option is converted to an exact year count (365.25 days per year) before the math runs, so all four give the same answer.
Does compounding frequency matter much?
It has a modest effect. More frequent compounding raises the balance slightly because interest is added and starts earning sooner, but the difference between monthly and daily is small.
What if I add money each month?
This calculator models a single lump sum. For recurring contributions, use a compound interest or investment growth calculator that supports periodic deposits.
Sources and review notes
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Investor.gov — compound interest
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (canada.ca) — savings and investments
Methodology last checked Jul 14, 2026. Formula implementation is covered by deterministic unit tests. No financial professional review is claimed yet.