How accurate are these investment calculators?

They are educational models that use standard finance formulas. Real-world results will differ because of taxes, fees, inflation, sequence of returns and investor behaviour. Use them to test ranges and stress-test your plan, not to predict exact future balances.

What rate of return should I use in the calculators?

There is no perfect number. Many long-term investors plan with conservative assumptions and then test a range of outcomes, such as a base case, a lower-return case and an optimistic case. Planning for ranges is usually more robust than relying on a single point estimate.

How often should I revisit my calculations and plan?

Most people do not need to adjust their plan frequently. A common approach is to review once a year or after major life events, and to avoid making changes based on short-term market noise. Simple, pre-defined rules help reduce emotional decision-making.

Can these tools tell me what to invest in?

No. These calculators are for general education only and do not provide personalized investment advice or specific product recommendations. They help you understand how contributions, time, returns, fees and dividends might interact in a long-term plan.

Investment Calculators

Use plain-English calculators to model compound growth, annualized returns (CAGR), and dividend reinvestment. Turn investing concepts into numbers so you can build a plan you actually understand.

Free to use No login required Educational only — not advice

Invest smarter by testing real numbers

Reading about investing is useful, but running the numbers is what makes it real. These tools help you answer practical questions like:

“If I save $X per month at Y%, what might I have in Z years?”
“What annual return did I actually earn from this investment?”
“How much difference do dividends and DRIP really make?”

All calculators use standard finance formulas and are designed for everyday investors — no spreadsheet skills required. Start with the compound interest calculator, then move to CAGR and dividend DRIP as your questions get more specific.

Before you start

Pick a realistic time horizon (10–30 years for long-term goals).
Use conservative return assumptions and test a range.
Remember that taxes, fees and inflation matter over long periods.

New to these ideas? See compound interest basics and risk vs return for quick background.

All investment calculators

Compound Interest Calculator

See how contributions, time horizon and rate assumptions change your future balance.

Model one-time and monthly contributions.
Compare different return scenarios side by side.
Understand why “time in the market” matters so much.

CAGR (Annualized Return) Calculator

Convert a starting value, ending value and time period into an annualized rate of return.

Evaluate past performance of an investment.
Compare two investments with different time frames.
Check if past returns line up with your expectations.

Dividend DRIP Calculator

Estimate how dividend reinvestment, contributions and price changes can compound over time.

Model different dividend yields and growth rates.
See the impact of reinvesting vs taking cash.
Explore long-term dividend-focused strategies.

Related education

How to use these calculators in your own plan

The goal is not to produce a single “perfect” projection, but to understand the range of outcomes you might face. A simple way to use these tools is:

Step 1: Use the Compound Interest Calculator to map out your savings and time horizon.
Step 2: Use the CAGR Calculator to understand past returns on existing investments.
Step 3: If you invest for income, model a few scenarios in the Dividend DRIP Calculator.
Step 4: Revisit annually to see whether you’re broadly on track, rather than every time markets move.

For more context on building an overall plan, see our Investing Education hub.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate are these investment calculators?: They use standard finance formulas for compounding and growth, but no calculator can predict the future. Real results depend on market returns, sequence of returns, inflation, fees, taxes and your own behaviour. Treat the numbers as educational estimates and stress-test both optimistic and conservative scenarios.
What rate of return should I use?: There is no single “correct” number. Many investors choose a conservative long-term rate and then test a band around it (for example, a lower-return, base and higher-return case). Planning for ranges is more useful than anchoring on one precise figure.
Do I need to update my plan often?: In most cases, no. A common approach is to review once a year or after major life events, and avoid making changes based on short-term market moves. Simple written rules can help you stay disciplined when markets are volatile.
Can these tools tell me what to invest in?: No. These calculators are for general education only and do not provide personalized financial advice or specific investment recommendations. They are designed to help you understand how contributions, returns, fees and time can interact in a long-term plan.