Compound growth calculator
See how returns and contributions build over time.
Calculator
Worked example
An account that earns the same return each period and receives a fixed contribution at the end of every period. These are the calculator's default inputs and the result it returns for them.
| Starting balance | $10,000 |
|---|---|
| Return per period | 2% |
| Number of periods | 24 periods |
| Contribution per period | $500 |
| Ending balance | $31,295 |
| Compound growth | $9,295 |
| Capital contributed | $22,000 |
This is a mathematical projection, not a return forecast.
Questions
- How does compound growth work?
- Each period's return is earned on the balance so far, including earlier gains. Contributions are added at the end of each period and compound after that.
- How do I read the result?
- Ending balance is the projected total. Capital contributed is what you put in. Compound growth is the difference between the two.
- What is a common mistake?
- Treating a steady return as a forecast. Real trading returns vary from period to period, and drawdowns slow compounding. Use the projection to compare scenarios.