How to Calculate Future Value Calculator
What is Future Value Calculator?
A future value calculator projects the growth of a lump-sum investment or regular savings over time at a specified interest rate.
Formula
FV = PV × (1 + r)ⁿ (lump sum); FV = PMT × [((1+r)ⁿ − 1) / r] (annuity)
- PV
- Present Value (currency)
- r
- Interest rate per period (%)
- n
- Number of periods
- FV
- Future Value (currency)
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Lump sum: FV = PV × (1 + r)ⁿ
- 2Regular contributions: FV = PMT × [(1+r)ⁿ−1]/r
- 3Real return: adjust for inflation: real FV = FV / (1+inflation)ⁿ
- 4Rule of 72: years to double ≈ 72 / annual rate
Worked Examples
Input
$1,000 at 7% for 30 years
Result
FV = $1,000 × 1.07³⁰ = $7,612
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between FV and compound interest?
Same concept. FV = future value calculation. Compound interest = the mechanism (interest on interest).
How does compounding frequency matter?
Annual: once/year. Quarterly: 4x/year. Daily: 365x/year. More frequent = slightly higher FV.
Is $100 today worth the same as $100 in 10 years?
No. Time value of money: $100 today > $100 later due to earning potential and inflation.