What is future value (FV)?

Future value is the value of a current asset at a specified date in the future, assuming a certain rate of growth. FV = PV × (1 + r/n)^(n×t), where r is the annual rate, n is compounding periods per year, and t is years.

What is the Rule of 72?

The Rule of 72 estimates how long it takes an investment to double. Divide 72 by the annual interest rate. At 6%, money doubles in approximately 12 years (72 ÷ 6 = 12).

How does compounding frequency affect future value?

More frequent compounding results in slightly higher returns because interest earns interest sooner. Daily compounding yields marginally more than monthly, which yields more than annual compounding at the same nominal rate.

What is inflation-adjusted (real) future value?

Real FV adjusts the nominal future value for inflation. Real FV = Nominal FV ÷ (1 + inflation rate)^years. This shows what your future dollars are worth in today's purchasing power.

Future Value Calculator — FV of Investments

Calculate the future value of a lump sum or recurring investments with compound interest. Compare scenarios, adjust for inflation, and find doubling time.

Present Value (PV) ?

Annual Interest Rate

Time Period (Years)

yrs

Compounding Frequency

Future Value

—

Total Interest Earned —

Growth Multiple —

Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾

Present Value

Annual Rate

Years

yrs

Compounding

Future Value

—

Total Interest —

Growth Multiple —

Doubling Time (Rule of 72) —

Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾

Present Value

Monthly Contribution

Annual Rate (Phase 1)

Phase 1 Duration (years)

yrs

Annual Rate (Phase 2)

Phase 2 Duration (years)

yrs

Inflation Rate (for real FV)

Marginal Tax Rate (after-tax FV)

Compounding Frequency

Nominal Future Value

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Inflation-Adjusted (Real) FV —

After-Tax Future Value —

Total Contributions —

Total Interest Earned —

Rule of 72 Doubling Time —

Continuous Compounding FV —

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the Present Value (initial lump sum investment).
Set the Annual Interest Rate and Time Period.
Choose your Compounding Frequency (monthly is most common).
Use the With Contributions tab to add regular monthly investments.
Use the Professional tab for inflation adjustment, after-tax FV, and two-phase rate scenarios.

Formula

FV (Lump Sum) = PV × (1 + r/n)^(n×t)
FV (With Contributions) = PV × (1+r)^n + PMT × [(1+r)^n − 1] / r
Real FV = Nominal FV ÷ (1 + inflation)^t
Rule of 72: Doubling Time ≈ 72 ÷ Annual Rate %

Example

Example: $10,000 invested at 7% annually for 20 years, compounded monthly. FV = $10,000 × (1 + 0.07/12)^240 = $40,064. Total interest earned = $30,064. Growth multiple = 4.01×.

Frequently Asked Questions

Future value is the value of a current asset at a specified date in the future, assuming a certain rate of growth. FV = PV × (1 + r/n)^(n×t), where r is the annual rate, n is compounding periods per year, and t is years.
The Rule of 72 estimates how long it takes an investment to double. Divide 72 by the annual interest rate. At 6%, money doubles in approximately 12 years (72 ÷ 6 = 12).
More frequent compounding results in slightly higher returns because interest earns interest sooner. Daily compounding yields marginally more than monthly, which yields more than annual compounding at the same nominal rate.
Real FV adjusts the nominal future value for inflation. Real FV = Nominal FV ÷ (1 + inflation rate)^years. This shows what your future dollars are worth in today's purchasing power.

Related Calculators

Sources & References (5) ▾

SEC Investor.gov — Compound Interest Calculator — U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
FINRA — Time Value of Money — Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
Federal Reserve — Long-Run Investment Returns Research — Federal Reserve
CFA Institute — Time Value of Money Concepts — CFA Institute
IRS — Publication 550: Investment Income and Expenses — Internal Revenue Service