Investment Calculator

Project the future value of your investments with compound returns. Enter an initial amount, monthly contributions, expected return, and term to see total growth and earnings with this free calculator.

How to Use

  1. Enter investment amounts

    Input your initial investment and monthly contribution amount.

  2. Set conditions

    Enter the expected annual return rate (%) and investment period (years).

  3. View results

    See the final value, total return, and year-by-year growth projection.

What Is Compound Investing With Regular Contributions?

Compound investing with regular contributions grows an initial lump sum (the principal) together with a fixed amount added every month, reinvesting the returns it earns back into the balance. This calculator combines both cash flows on a monthly compounding (12 times per year) basis to simulate your maturity value.

The key is that two growth engines work at the same time. The lump sum compounds further the longer it stays invested, while each monthly contribution earns compound interest for whatever time remains. So even for the same total amount paid in, the final figure widens significantly the earlier and longer you invest.

  • Because expected returns vary by asset class, it is safer to assume a conservative rate.
  • It is useful for checking, in advance, whether long-term goals such as retirement savings or building a lump sum are achievable.

Calculation Formula

A = P(1+r/n)^(nt) + PMT × [((1+r/n)^(nt) − 1) / (r/n)]

Where P = initial investment, PMT = monthly contribution, r = annual return, n = compounding periods per year (12), and t = period (years).

Example: With P = 10 million KRW, PMT = 500,000 KRW per month, r = 7%, and t = 10 years, (1+0.07/12)^120 ≈ 2.0097, so the lump sum grows to about 20.1 million KRW and the contributions to about 86.54 million KRW, for a final total of roughly 106.64 million KRW. Against the 70 million KRW paid in, that is a gain of about 36.64 million KRW (52.3%).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between regular and lump-sum investing?
Lump-sum investing puts a large amount in all at once, while regular investing puts in a fixed amount steadily each month. Regular investing provides the benefit of spreading purchases over time.
What annual average return should I assume?
It depends on the investment type. Savings accounts are about 3-4%, bonds 4-6%, stocks (S&P 500) a historical average of around 10%, and real estate 5-8%.
Why does the investment period matter?
The compounding effect grows larger over longer periods. At the same return rate, investing for 30 years versus 10 years produces a much bigger difference in the final amount.
Is a 7% annual return realistic?
The long-term average annual return of the US S&P 500 index is about 10%, and the real return after subtracting inflation is about 7%. It is widely used as a conservative estimate.
What is the difference between compound and simple interest?
With simple interest, interest accrues only on the principal, whereas with compound interest, interest also accrues on previously earned interest. This calculator applies monthly compounding (12 times per year), so returns accelerate over time.
Does this calculator use monthly or annual compounding?
It uses monthly compounding, fixing the number of compounding periods per year (n) at 12. Each monthly contribution begins compounding from the month it is made, so it simulates real contribution-based funds or savings plans more closely.
How is it calculated if the return rate is 0%?
If the return is 0, there is no compounding effect, so the final amount is simply the initial investment plus the monthly contribution multiplied by the total number of months paid in (12 × the number of years).
Are taxes and inflation accounted for?
This calculator shows pre-tax, nominal returns. Dividend tax, capital gains tax, and inflation are not reflected, so to see real purchasing power it is best to subtract the inflation rate (e.g. 2-3%) from your expected return before entering it.
Updated 2026 — latest rates

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