Compound Interest Calculator

Calculate how an investment grows over time with compound interest. Set your principal, rate, term, and compounding frequency, free and private, right in your browser.

Enter a starting balance, a rate, and how often it compounds to see exactly how your money grows year over year, useful for comparing savings accounts, projecting an investment, or checking how much a recurring contribution schedule adds up to over time.

How to use it

  1. Enter your starting balance and interest rate
  2. Set the compounding frequency and time period (add optional recurring contributions)
  3. View the year-by-year growth table and final total

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between compounding monthly vs. annually?
More frequent compounding earns slightly more because interest starts earning its own interest sooner. On a typical savings rate, monthly vs. annual compounding usually only differs by a small fraction of a percent in the final balance, but the tool lets you compare both side by side so you can see the exact numbers for your rate.
Can I include regular deposits, not just a lump sum?
Yes. Add a recurring contribution amount (like $100/month) and it gets added on top of the compounding growth, so you can model a real savings plan rather than just a one-time investment.
Does this account for inflation or taxes?
No, it shows nominal growth based on the rate you enter. If you want a real (inflation-adjusted) result, subtract your expected inflation rate from the interest rate before entering it.