Future Value Calculator

Project a future balance from a principal, annual rate, term, and compounding frequency without additional contributions.

What is future value?

Future value is the projected balance of a principal after it grows at a fixed rate for a stated term with a chosen compounding schedule. This Calculator models a single initial deposit with no additional contributions.

Formula

Future value = Principal × (1 + Annual rate ÷ 100 ÷ Compounding periods per year) ^ (Years × Compounding periods per year). The principal must be greater than zero and the term must be greater than zero years.

Worked example

A 1,000 principal at 10% annual interest compounded annually for 2 years becomes 1,000 × 1.10 ^ 2 = 1,210. Total interest is 210.

Assumptions and limitations

The Calculator assumes a fixed nominal annual rate and the selected discrete compounding schedule. It does not model contributions, withdrawals, fees, taxes, or changing rates. A rate above negative 100% is allowed, but a negative rate can reduce the balance.

Common questions

Answers to the most common questions about projecting a single principal with compound growth.

How is this different from the Compound Interest Calculator?

This Tool projects a single principal only. The Compound Interest Calculator also schedules regular contributions on independent timelines.

Can I use fractional years?

Yes. Fractional years scale the number of compounding periods proportionally.

Does more frequent compounding always increase the future value?

Yes, for the same nominal annual rate and term, more compounding periods produce a higher balance.

Methodology

The Calculator uses shared compound-growth helpers with exact decimal arithmetic. Total interest is future value minus principal at internal precision, with rounding only for display.