Tools
Compound interest calculator
See how regular contributions and reinvested returns add up over time. Adjust the inputs to explore different scenarios.
This is a purely mathematical illustration. It assumes a constant annual return, no taxes, no fees, and no withdrawals. Real results will differ.
$10,000
$1,000
10%
20y
Annual inflation3%
Inflation compounds too: the final balance is divided by (1 + inflation)^years to show its purchasing power in today's dollars.
Result
Nominal value (final)$833K
Total contributed$250K
Interest earned$583K
Real value (today's $)$461K
Lost to inflation44.6%
Real value = nominal value ÷ (1 + inflation)^years. Inflation compounds too, so it is discounted from the final balance.
| Year | Contributed | Interest | Balance | Today's $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22K | $2K | $24K | $23K |
| 6 | $82K | $34K | $116K | $97K |
| 11 | $142K | $127K | $269K | $194K |
| 16 | $202K | $318K | $520K | $324K |
| 20 | $250K | $583K | $833K | $461K |