Investment Calculator
Model a portfolio's future value from an initial lump sum, monthly contributions and an expected annual return.
Projected value
$232,732.84
After 20 years, net of 0.5% fees
Total invested
$106,000.00
Investment growth
$126,732.84
- Net annual return
- 6.5%
- Lump sum grows to
- $36,564.47
- Contributions grow to
- $196,168.37
- Growth multiple
- 2.2×
- Fees paid over the term (approx.)
- -$16,025.21
How this was calculated
- 1.Net return = 7% − 0.5% = 6.5% a year.
- 2.Monthly rate 0.542% over 240 months.
- 3.Lump sum grows to $36,564.47; contributions to $196,168.37.
- 4.Projected value $232,732.84 against $106,000.00 invested.
Returns are not guaranteed and markets fall as well as rise. Fees are modelled as a deduction from the annual return.
How the investment calculation works
This is the future value of a lump sum plus a series of monthly contributions, using the return net of the annual fee. It is the standard way to sanity-check a long-term investing plan.
Fees look small but compound like returns do: one percent a year on a thirty-year horizon can consume a quarter of the final value. That is why the fee field is separate rather than folded into the return.
Worked example
$10,000 lump sum, $400 a month, 7% return, 0.5% fee, 20 years.
- →Net return 6.5%
- →Lump sum grows to about $36,500
- →Contributions grow to about $189,000
Answer: Roughly $225,000 from $106,000 invested.
Investment FAQs
Is an average return realistic?
Markets do not deliver an average every year. A 7% average might include years of −20% and +25%. The end value can differ substantially from a smooth projection, so treat this as a range.
Should I include inflation?
Yes, for a real-terms view. Subtract expected inflation from the return — 7% return with 2.5% inflation is roughly 4.5% real growth.
What counts as an annual fee?
Platform charges, fund ongoing costs and adviser fees. Add them together; even 0.2% is worth modelling over decades.
Investment Calculator is part of the financial calculators collection on Calcora, alongside 8 other tools. Results are calculated in your browser and are for information only — see our disclaimer.
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