Compound Interest Calculator

Initial Investment ($)The amount you're starting with.Regular Contribution ($)Amount you'll add each period.Contribution FrequencyHow often you'll make contributions.Years to GrowLength of time in years.Annual Interest Rate (%)Expected annual return on investment.Compounding FrequencyHow often interest is calculated.

Contributions: $34000.00 | Interest Earned: $20757.09

After 10 years, your investment will have earned $20757.09 in interest.

For illustrative purposes only. Actual investment returns may vary.

How to Use Our Compound Interest Calculator

Our compound interest calculator helps you understand how your investments grow over time. Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for a big purchase, or just curious about investment growth, this tool provides accurate calculations for any scenario.

Understanding Compound Interest

Compound interest is the interest earned on both your initial investment and the accumulated interest from previous periods. This powerful effect can significantly boost your returns over time, especially with regular contributions.

Example Calculation

Compound Interest Calculator showing $10,000 initial investment with $200 monthly contributions at 7% for 10 years

In this example:

Initial Investment: $10,000
Monthly Contribution: $200
Annual Rate: 7%
Compounding: Quarterly
Time Period: 10 years
Final Value: $52,123.45

The graph shows how regular contributions and compound interest work together to grow your investment over time.

Initial Investment: Enter the amount you're starting with.
Regular Contributions: Add any recurring deposits you plan to make.
Annual Interest Rate: Input the expected annual return on your investment.
Compounding Frequency: Choose how often interest is calculated and added to your balance.
Time Period: Select how long you plan to invest.

Making the Most of Compound Interest

To maximize your investment growth, consider these strategies:

Start Early: The earlier you begin investing, the more time compound interest has to work in your favor.
Regular Contributions: Consistent deposits can significantly boost your final balance.
Higher Compounding Frequency: More frequent compounding periods can lead to slightly higher returns.
Reinvest Dividends: Reinvesting earnings allows you to benefit from compound growth.

Pro Tip: The Power of Regular Contributions

Even small regular contributions can make a big difference over time. For example, adding $200 monthly to a $10,000 investment at 7% for 10 years can nearly double your final balance compared to just the initial investment.

Compound Interest Calculator FAQ – Top 10 Questions

1. What is compound interest?

Compound interest is interest calculated on both the initial principal and the accumulated interest from previous periods. It's often called "interest on interest" and can significantly boost your investment returns over time.

2. How does compounding frequency affect my returns?

The more frequently interest is compounded, the higher your returns will be. For example, monthly compounding will yield slightly more than annual compounding at the same rate. Our calculator lets you compare different compounding frequencies.

3. What's the difference between simple and compound interest?

Simple interest is calculated only on the principal amount, while compound interest is calculated on both the principal and accumulated interest. Over time, compound interest can generate significantly higher returns.

4. How do regular contributions affect my investment growth?

Regular contributions can dramatically increase your final balance. Even small, consistent contributions can make a big difference over time due to the power of compound interest.

5. What is the Rule of 72?

The Rule of 72 is a quick way to estimate how long it takes for an investment to double. Divide 72 by your annual interest rate to get the approximate number of years. For example, at 7% interest, your money would double in about 10.3 years.

6. How does inflation affect my investment returns?

Inflation reduces the purchasing power of your money over time. When planning investments, consider the real rate of return (nominal return minus inflation) to understand your true growth.

7. What's the best way to maximize compound interest?

To maximize compound interest: 1) Start investing early, 2) Make regular contributions, 3) Choose investments with higher returns, 4) Reinvest dividends and interest, and 5) Minimize fees and taxes.

8. How do taxes affect compound interest?

Taxes can significantly impact your compound interest growth. Tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s can help maximize compound interest by deferring or eliminating taxes on investment gains.

9. What's the difference between APR and APY?

APR (Annual Percentage Rate) doesn't account for compounding, while APY (Annual Percentage Yield) does. APY gives you the true annual return on your investment, making it better for comparing different investment options.

10. How can I use this calculator for retirement planning?

Our calculator is perfect for retirement planning. Input your current savings, expected annual contributions, estimated return rate, and years until retirement to see how your nest egg might grow. Adjust variables to find the right balance for your goals.