Finance

Future Value Calculator

Estimate the future value of a lump sum invested or saved over time at a chosen annual rate.

Last reviewed: April 30, 2026Free toolMethodology

Future Value Calculator

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These fields start with sample inputs. Keep them or replace them, then run the tool to show a fresh result.

Number fields accept plain values and common formatted input such as 250000, 250,000, or 1,234.56.

Result

Calculating the sample result.

Why it matters

Future value is one of the cleanest building blocks in financial planning because it turns today's amount into an estimated value at a later date.

When to use

  • Projecting a one-time investment forward
  • Testing the time value of money assumptions in a plan
  • Comparing short- and long-horizon growth outcomes

Inputs & Outputs

Inputs

  • Present value is the amount you have today.
  • Annual rate is the assumed yearly growth or interest rate.
  • Years is the time horizon for the projection.

Outputs

  • Future value shows the projected ending balance from the lump sum alone.
  • Growth earned isolates the amount added by compounding.

Time-value projection

Multiply the present value by the growth factor raised to the number of years. This shows what the amount could become over time under the chosen rate.

Future value = present value x (1 + rate)^years

Worked example

1

Lump-sum projection

A 25,000 balance grows at 5% annually for 10 years.

Inputs

  • Present value: 25,000
  • Annual rate: 5%
  • Years: 10

Steps

  • Future value = 25,000 x (1.05)^10

Result

  • The balance grows to about 40,722 with roughly 15,722 in growth.

Edge cases & caveats

  • The projection assumes a constant annual rate.
  • Taxes, fees, and irregular cash flows are excluded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is future value only for investments?

No. It also works for savings balances, reserves, or any amount that earns a predictable rate.

Should I use nominal or effective rate?

Use the rate that matches the way you are modeling compounding. Effective rates are better when you want a true annualized yield estimate.

Keep going

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