Retirement Future Value Calculator
The Retirement Future Value Calculator projects how current savings plus regular monthly contributions grow to retirement age, showing contributions vs the growth they earn.
What this means
Time and consistency do the heavy lifting: starting earlier lets compounding work longer, so the same monthly amount produces a meaningfully larger balance at retirement.
How we calculate it
Formula
FV = P(1+r)^n + C × ((1+r)^n − 1)/r — with P start, C monthly contribution, r monthly rate, n months.Worked example
$40,000 saved, adding $600/mo for 25 years at 7%:
- 1Future value ≈ $654,497
- 2Total contributed ≈ $220,000
- 3Growth ≈ $434,497
Important assumptions
- Contributions are made monthly at the start of the month.
- The return stays constant; taxes and inflation are ignored.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I contribute monthly?
A common target is 15% of gross income including any employer match. Use this projection to see what a given contribution produces and adjust.
When should I revisit this plan?
Annually, and after major changes like a raise, a new job, or a market shock. Small course corrections now beat large ones later.