Investment Return Calculator
Project how your investments may grow over time. Compare two strategies, estimate after-tax gains, and see exactly how much of your ending balance comes from your contributions versus market returns.
Investment Return Calculator
Forecast long-term growth, compare scenarios, and see how compounding does the heavy lifting.
Scenario A
Adjust the assumptions and compare long-term outcomes.
Applies a simple tax estimate to gains so you can compare pre-tax and after-tax outcomes.
Scenario A
After estimated taxesFinal Balance
$343,778
Total Invested
$130,000
Total Return
$213,778
Total Gain
$213,778
Annualized Return
4.98%
From Contributions
$130,000
From Returns
$213,778
Estimated Tax on Gains
$0
Year-by-Year Growth Table
See how contributions and returns stack up over time in your scenario.
| Year | Total Invested | Gross Balance | Tax on Gains | Final Balance | Returns Portion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16,000 | $17,055 | $0 | $17,055 | $1,055 |
| 2 | $22,000 | $24,695 | $0 | $24,695 | $2,695 |
| 3 | $28,000 | $32,970 | $0 | $32,970 | $4,970 |
| 4 | $34,000 | $41,932 | $0 | $41,932 | $7,932 |
| 5 | $40,000 | $51,637 | $0 | $51,637 | $11,637 |
| 6 | $46,000 | $62,148 | $0 | $62,148 | $16,148 |
| 7 | $52,000 | $73,531 | $0 | $73,531 | $21,531 |
| 8 | $58,000 | $85,859 | $0 | $85,859 | $27,859 |
| 9 | $64,000 | $99,210 | $0 | $99,210 | $35,210 |
| 10 | $70,000 | $113,669 | $0 | $113,669 | $43,669 |
| 11 | $76,000 | $129,329 | $0 | $129,329 | $53,329 |
| 12 | $82,000 | $146,288 | $0 | $146,288 | $64,288 |
| 13 | $88,000 | $164,655 | $0 | $164,655 | $76,655 |
| 14 | $94,000 | $184,546 | $0 | $184,546 | $90,546 |
| 15 | $100,000 | $206,088 | $0 | $206,088 | $106,088 |
| 16 | $106,000 | $229,419 | $0 | $229,419 | $123,419 |
| 17 | $112,000 | $254,685 | $0 | $254,685 | $142,685 |
| 18 | $118,000 | $282,049 | $0 | $282,049 | $164,049 |
| 19 | $124,000 | $311,684 | $0 | $311,684 | $187,684 |
| 20 | $130,000 | $343,778 | $0 | $343,778 | $213,778 |
How to Use
- Enter your starting investment, monthly contribution, expected annual return, and investment timeline.
- Optionally add a tax rate on gains to estimate after-tax results.
- Review the total invested, final balance, total return, and annualized return.
- Turn on comparison mode to test two strategies side by side, such as a higher monthly contribution or a different return assumption.
- Use the year-by-year table to see when compounding starts to outpace your direct contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an investment return calculator?
An investment return calculator estimates how a portfolio may grow based on your starting balance, ongoing contributions, expected annual return, and time horizon. It helps you model different saving and investing strategies before you commit real money.
Why does compounding matter so much?
Compounding means your gains can generate gains of their own. Over long periods, this snowball effect can make returns contribute more to your final balance than your direct deposits, especially when you stay invested consistently.
How accurate are projected investment returns?
They are only estimates. Real-world returns vary from year to year, and taxes, fees, inflation, and market swings can all affect your results. This calculator is best used for planning scenarios, not guarantees.
Should I compare different contribution amounts or different return assumptions?
Both are useful. Comparing contribution amounts shows the impact of saving more each month, while comparing return assumptions helps you understand how conservative versus aggressive growth rates can change long-term outcomes.