The future value formula links what you have today, the return you earn each year, how long you invest, and what you end up with. Pick any one of the four to calculate — for example, how many years it takes to double your money, or the return you need to hit a goal.
Formula
FV = PV × (1 + r / 100) ^ n
Where FV is the future value ($), PV is the present value ($), r is the annual rate of return (%), n is the number of years (years).
Choose any value to calculate — the calculator rearranges the formula for you.
Worked example
How long does $5,000 take to grow to $10,000 at 7% a year? Solving 10000 = 5000 × 1.07ⁿ gives n = ln(2) ÷ ln(1.07) ≈ 10.24 years — close to the rule-of-72 estimate of 72 ÷ 7 ≈ 10.3.
Frequently asked questions
What is the future value formula?
FV = PV × (1 + r)ⁿ, where PV is the present value, r the rate per period as a decimal and n the number of periods.
How do I find the rate of return I need?
Choose “Annual rate of return” under Calculate, then enter your starting amount, target amount and number of years.
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