What formula does this future value calculator use?

For the lump sum, FV = PV x (1 + i)^n. For recurring deposits, it uses the future value of an ordinary annuity, PMT x [((1 + j)^N - 1) / j], and multiplies by (1 + j) when deposits are made at the beginning of each deposit period.

Should I enter APY or APR?

Use APY when your quoted rate is an effective annual yield. Use APR when your quoted rate is nominal and needs a compounding frequency.

Does the calculator include inflation and fees?

Yes. Inflation and fees are optional planning assumptions. Fees reduce the annual return before compounding, and inflation converts the final balance into present purchasing power.

Is this financial advice?

No. The calculator is for educational estimates only. It does not predict market returns or recommend investments.

Yes. Calculations run locally in your browser and inputs are not uploaded.

Future Value Calculator

Estimate how a starting balance and recurring deposits could grow over time. This private, browser-based calculator supports APY or APR, custom compounding, beginning or end deposits, inflation, and annual fees.

Inputs

Currency display

Display only. The math works with any currency unit.

Present value / starting balance

Recurring deposit

Deposit frequency

Rate type

Annual rate (%)

Compounding

Time horizon (years)

Deposit timing

Annual fee or drag (%)

Expected annual inflation (%)

Optional. Used to show future value in today's purchasing power.

Schedule view

Results

Future value-

Interest / growth-

Real future value-

Results will appear here.

Growth Schedule

The schedule is rounded for display. Calculations use unrounded values.

Run the calculator to generate a schedule.

Future Value Formula and Assumptions

The lump-sum future value formula is FV = PV x (1 + i)^n, where PV is the starting balance, i is the rate per compounding period, and n is the number of compounding periods.

Recurring deposits use an annuity formula at the selected deposit frequency: FVdeposits = PMT x (((1 + j)^N - 1) / j). If deposits are made at the beginning of each deposit period, the deposit future value is multiplied by (1 + j). When the effective deposit-period rate is zero, the deposit future value is simply PMT x N.

For APY, the calculator treats the entered rate as an effective annual rate. For APR, it divides the nominal rate by the selected compounding frequency. Annual fees reduce the annual return assumption before compounding. Inflation does not reduce the nominal projected balance; it discounts the final amount to estimate today's purchasing power.

How to Use the Future Value Calculator

Enter the starting balance. Use zero if you only want to model future deposits.
Enter a recurring deposit and choose how often it is made.
Select APY for an effective annual yield or APR for a nominal rate with compounding.
Choose whether deposits happen at the beginning or end of each deposit period.
Add optional fee and inflation assumptions if you want a more conservative planning estimate.
Copy the result or download the CSV schedule for your own notes.

This tool is for educational estimates only. It does not forecast market returns, taxes, product availability, fees charged by a specific provider, or whether an investment or savings product is suitable for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is future value?

Future value is the estimated amount a present balance or stream of deposits may be worth after earning a stated return for a stated time.

What is the difference between beginning and end deposits?

Beginning deposits are made before growth for that deposit period, so they earn one extra period of return. End deposits are made after that period's growth.

Can the annual rate be negative?

Yes. The calculator accepts negative annual rates down to -50% to model loss scenarios. It rejects rates and time horizons that make the math unstable or unrealistic for this tool.

Is inflation included automatically?

No. The inflation field is an assumption you control. Set it to zero if you only want nominal future value.

Is my data private?

Yes. All calculations run in your browser. The page does not send your entered amounts to a backend.

Sources and References

The formulas are standard time-value-of-money formulas. These references support the compound-interest and investor-education context used on this page.