Investment Return Calculator
Project the growth of your investments over time with the power of compounding.
Investment Details
One-time starting amount
Range: $0 - $1,000,000
Regular monthly investment
Range: $0 - $10,000
Return & Risk Settings
Conservative: 5-6%, Moderate: 7-8%, Aggressive: 9-12%
Range: 0% - 25%
Historical average: ~3%
Range: 0% - 10%
Long-term capital gains rate
Range: 0% - 50%
Risk Profile Summary
Market Scenarios
Portfolio Value
After 20 years
Real Value
Inflation-adjusted purchasing power
Total Growth
Investment gains over contributions
After-Tax Value
Net value after capital gains tax
Portfolio Growth Over Time
Final Value Composition
Risk Scenarios
Bear Market
15%Normal Market
65%Bull Market
20%Benchmark Comparison
S&P 500
10.5% avgBonds
5% avg60/40 Portfolio
8.5% avgREITs
9.5% avgYear-by-Year Projections
| Year | Starting Balance | Contributions | Growth | Ending Balance | Real Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10,000 | $6,000 | $1,026 | $17,026 | $16,530 |
| 2 | $17,026 | $6,000 | $1,571 | $24,597 | $23,185 |
| 3 | $24,597 | $6,000 | $2,159 | $32,756 | $29,976 |
| 4 | $32,756 | $6,000 | $2,792 | $41,548 | $36,915 |
| 5 | $41,548 | $6,000 | $3,475 | $51,023 | $44,013 |
| 6 | $51,023 | $6,000 | $4,210 | $61,234 | $51,282 |
| 7 | $61,234 | $6,000 | $5,003 | $72,237 | $58,735 |
| 8 | $72,237 | $6,000 | $5,857 | $84,094 | $66,385 |
| 9 | $84,094 | $6,000 | $6,778 | $96,872 | $74,244 |
| 10 | $96,872 | $6,000 | $7,770 | $110,642 | $82,328 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right risk tolerance?
Your risk tolerance depends on your investment timeline, financial goals, and comfort with market volatility. Conservative portfolios have lower returns but less volatility, while aggressive portfolios can provide higher returns with more fluctuation. Consider your age, when you'll need the money, and how you'd feel during market downturns.
What's the impact of inflation on my investments?
Inflation erodes purchasing power over time. Our calculator shows both nominal returns (actual dollar amounts) and real returns (inflation-adjusted). A 3% inflation rate means you need your investments to grow by at least 3% annually just to maintain today's purchasing power.
How accurate are these projections?
These are estimates based on your assumptions. Actual returns will vary due to market volatility, economic conditions, and other factors. Use these projections as a planning tool, but review and adjust your assumptions regularly. Consider the risk scenarios to understand potential outcomes.
Should I invest a lump sum or dollar-cost average?
Lump sum investing typically provides better returns over long periods, but dollar-cost averaging (regular contributions) can reduce the impact of market timing and volatility. Many investors use a combination - investing available funds immediately while making regular contributions from income.