What drives investment growth
The main inputs are starting balance, contribution amount, contribution frequency, time horizon, and assumed annual return. Time and contributions often matter as much as the rate, especially early in a plan.
A projection is only as useful as its assumptions. Real returns vary, fees reduce growth, taxes can matter, and inflation changes purchasing power.
When to use the Investment Growth Calculator
Use the Investment Growth Calculator when you want to compare long-term scenarios with different starting balances, monthly contributions, rates, and timelines.
It works well for retirement planning, taxable investing, goal planning, and testing how contribution increases may change future balances.
How to interpret the result
Treat the output as a scenario, not a promise. Run conservative, middle, and optimistic cases to understand sensitivity to return assumptions and contribution changes.
Then compare nominal balances with inflation-adjusted and real-return tools so a future dollar amount is not confused with future purchasing power.