What a monthly amount or a lump sum grows to over 5 to 50 years at a 7% average annual return. Every figure opens its own page with other returns, the balance year by year, the range in 1,000 simulated markets and what it would pay in retirement.
Monthly amounts are deposited at the end of each month and compounded monthly at the rate that equals the annual return; lump sums compound once a year. The headline return is 7% a year, the Trinity-style average the site’s retirement pages use; stock-heavy portfolios have averaged more over long periods and bond-heavy ones less, which is why every page shows 4% to 10%. Today’s dollars divide by 3% inflation a year. The range comes from 1,000 simulated sequences of yearly returns averaging 7% with 12% volatility, with each year’s deposits added through the year. Fees and taxes are not taken out. More on the methodology page.
Frequently asked questions
How much will I have if I invest $500 a month for 30 years?+
About $584,726 at a 7% average annual return, from $180,000 of deposits. At 5% it is $407,688; at 10%, $1,031,422.
How much will $100,000 be worth in 20 years?+
About $386,968 at a 7% average annual return with nothing added, $265,330 at 5% and $672,750 at 10%.