Investment Calculators
From compound growth and inflation-adjusted returns to retirement savings and portfolio analysis — our free investment calculators help you model the future value of your money.
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Returns & Growth
Compound interest, CAGR, and investment return calculators
Retirement & Long-Term
Retirement savings, pension projections, and 401(k)/ISA tools
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Investment Glossary — Key Terms Explained
- CAGR
- Compound Annual Growth Rate — the rate at which an investment grows from start to end value assuming it grew at a steady compounded rate each year. CAGR = (End Value ÷ Start Value)^(1/years) − 1.
- Real Return
- Investment return adjusted for inflation. If your portfolio grows 8% but inflation is 3%, your real return is approximately 5%. Real return = (1 + nominal return) ÷ (1 + inflation rate) − 1.
- Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA)
- Investing a fixed amount at regular intervals regardless of price. Buys more shares when prices are low, fewer when high, reducing the impact of volatility on the average purchase price.
- Compound Annual Growth Rate
- CAGR — see above. The most useful single number for comparing investment performance across different time periods.
- Time Value of Money
- The principle that a dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future because today's dollar can be invested and grow. The foundation of all investment return calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good annual investment return?
The US S&P 500 has historically returned approximately 10% per year nominally (7% inflation-adjusted). A diversified global portfolio typically returns 6–9% nominally. Individual stocks and alternative investments vary enormously. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
How does compound interest grow investments?
Compound interest means your returns earn returns. $10,000 at 8% annually: after 10 years = $21,589; after 20 years = $46,610; after 30 years = $100,627. The doubling happens every 9 years at 8% (use the Rule of 72: 72 ÷ rate = doubling years).
What is the Rule of 72?
A quick estimate of how long it takes to double your money: doubling years = 72 ÷ annual return %. At 6% return, money doubles in 12 years. At 9%, in 8 years. At 12%, in 6 years. It's an approximation — the compound interest calculator gives exact figures.
How much should I save for retirement?
A common guideline: save 15% of income from age 25 and aim for 25× your annual expenses at retirement (the 4% withdrawal rule). If you need $40,000/year in retirement, target a $1,000,000 portfolio. Starting later requires a higher savings rate — use the retirement calculator for your specific situation.