Future Value Calculator
The future value of a lump sum is what a single amount today grows to after earning a periodic return. It is the simplest compound-growth calculation and the basis for comparing investment, savings and loan scenarios.
Enter the present amount, an expected annual return, and the number of years. The calculator returns the future value and the total growth earned.
It is the simplest compound-growth calculation, and the building block for comparing a single upfront investment against other uses of the same money.
Enter your values to see the result.
How this is calculated
The future value of a lump sum is what a single amount today grows to after earning a periodic return. This calculator uses annual compounding of one deposit: FV = PV × (1 + r)^n, where PV is the present value (the amount today), r is the annual rate as a decimal and n is the number of years.
Because the growth compounds, the result accelerates over time: the same rate produces a much larger balance over 30 years than over 10, since each year’s gain is earned on a larger base. This is the cleanest way to see the effect of time and rate on a single sum.
The model assumes a single deposit with no further contributions, a constant annual rate, and annual compounding. It does not include ongoing contributions (use the compound interest calculator for those), monthly compounding (divide the rate by 12 and multiply the years by 12 in the exponent), taxes on the growth, fund fees, or inflation. For the real increase in purchasing power, subtract inflation from the rate.
Worked example
A $10,000 lump sum invested at 6% annually for 15 years.
- 1Growth factor (1 + r)^n = 1.06^15 ≈ 2.397.
- 2Future value = 10,000 × 2.397 = $23,970.
- 3Total growth = 23,970 − 10,000 = $13,970, all from compounding with no extra deposits.
Frequently asked questions
- How is future value calculated?
- FV = PV × (1 + r)^n, where PV is the present value, r is the annual rate and n is the number of years. This assumes annual compounding of a single deposit.
- Can I model monthly compounding?
- For monthly compounding, divide the rate by 12 and multiply the years by 12 in the exponent. This calculator compounds annually for a clean lump-sum estimate.
- How does this differ from the compound interest calculator?
- This handles a single lump sum with no ongoing contributions. The compound interest calculator adds regular monthly deposits on top.
- Can I model monthly compounding?
- For monthly compounding, divide the annual rate by 12 and multiply the years by 12 in the exponent: FV = PV × (1 + r/12)^(n×12). This calculator compounds annually for a clean lump-sum estimate; the compound interest calculator handles monthly compounding with contributions.
- How does this differ from the compound interest calculator?
- This handles a single lump sum with no ongoing contributions. The compound interest calculator adds regular monthly deposits on top, which is closer to how most people actually save.
Related calculators
Method: future value of a single lump sum with annual compounding. No external data source. Last updated: September 2026.
These results are indicative estimates for planning only and do not constitute financial advice. Actual loan terms, tax rules, investment returns and product conditions vary by country, provider and your personal circumstances. Always confirm figures with your bank, tax authority or a qualified financial adviser before making decisions.