Investment Returns Calculator
Estimate the future value of investments and total return, with contributions.
How to use this tool
- Enter initial investment, annual contribution.
- Set expected annual return % and years.
- Choose contribution timing (start/end of year).
- View future value, contributions, earnings and CAGR.
How it works
Year by year the balance earns the return and adds contributions. End value, total contributed and growth-on-growth are computed; CAGR solves the equivalent single annual rate.
Tips
- Model conservative/base/optimistic scenarios.
- Look at the dollars YOUR contributions made vs returns when judging value.
- Reinvested dividends compound — include them in the return assumption.
Limitations
Constant return assumed; markets make no such promise.
Frequently asked questions
What is CAGR?
Compound annual growth rate — the single annualized rate that turns start value into end value over the period.
How much should I expect to earn?
Historical broad-market average returns vary widely by market and period; the calculator lets you test scenarios.
Does this beat the compound calculator?
It adds a return-on-investment breakdown and displays growth of contributions vs growth from earnings.