Future Value Calculator: What a Lump Sum Becomes
Work out what a single lump sum becomes after years of compound growth — the building block behind every long-term money projection.
Adjust the inputs and select Calculate for a full breakdown.
Compare Common Scenarios
How the numbers shift across typical situations for this calculator:
| Scenario | Future value | Total growth |
|---|---|---|
| $10k · 6% · 20yr | $32,071.35 | $22,071.35 |
| $5k · 8% · 30yr | $50,313.28 | $45,313.28 |
| $50k · 4% · 10yr | $74,012.21 | $24,012.21 |
| $1k · 10% · 40yr | $45,259.26 | $44,259.26 |
How This Calculator Works
Enter the amount you start with, the annual rate it grows at, and the number of years. The calculator compounds the amount once a year at the fixed rate and reports the future value along with the total growth that compounding produced.
The Formula
Future Value of a Lump Sum
PV = present value, r = annual rate, n = number of years
Worked Example
A $10,000 lump sum growing at 6% a year for 20 years becomes about $32,071. Of that, roughly $22,071 is growth — more than double the original amount, all from compounding and time.
Key Insight
Future value rises exponentially, not in a straight line. The same money grows far more in its final five years than in its first five, which is why a longer horizon matters more than a slightly higher rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is future value?
Future value is what an amount of money grows to after a period of compound growth at a given rate. It is the foundation of any long-term financial projection.
How is future value calculated?
Multiply the present amount by one plus the rate, raised to the number of years. Compounding means each year's growth is calculated on the prior year's larger balance.
Does this include regular contributions?
No. This calculator grows a single lump sum. For a projection that adds money each month, use a compound interest or investment calculator instead.
What rate should I use?
Use a rate that matches where the money sits — a cash rate for savings, or a long-run market return for invested funds. A lower rate gives a more cautious projection.
Is the future value adjusted for inflation?
No, it is a nominal figure. To judge real buying power, compare it against the cited inflation benchmark over the same number of years.
Related Calculators
Data Sources & Benchmarks
This calculator draws on 3 independent, dated sources.
Methodology & Review
The future value compounds the present amount annually at a fixed rate over the term. The model uses a single lump sum with no further contributions and excludes fees and taxes.
Written by Ugo Candido · Last updated May 17, 2026.