Investment Compound Calculator
See how your investments can grow over time with compound interest
Calculate Your Investment Growth
Results Summary
Final Balance
$0.00
Total Contributions
$0.00
Total Earnings
$0.00
Return on Investment
0.00%
Investment Growth
Yearly Breakdown
| Year | Year-End Balance | Year Contributions | Year Earnings | Total Contributions | Total Earnings |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is compound interest?
Compound interest is the interest calculated on the initial principal and also on the accumulated interest over previous periods. It's often described as "interest on interest," and it's what makes long-term investments grow exponentially over time.
How does the S&P 500 average 10% returns?
The S&P 500 has historically returned an average of about 10% annually before inflation since its inception in 1926 through 2023. This average includes both bull markets (rising) and bear markets (falling). While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, this long-term average is often used for retirement planning.
How much should I invest each month?
The optimal monthly investment depends on your financial goals, time horizon, and budget. A common guideline is to save at least 15-20% of your income for retirement. Use our calculator to experiment with different contribution amounts and see how they affect your long-term results.
How does the frequency of compounding affect returns?
More frequent compounding (monthly vs. quarterly vs. annually) results in slightly higher returns over time because interest is calculated and added to your principal more often. However, the difference is usually small compared to other factors like contribution amount and annual return rate.