How to use the Finance Calculator
The finance calculator solves a time-value-of-money problem: future value, present value, payment, time or interest rate.
What you need to enter
- Solve for
- Present value / starting amount
- Payment each period (deposit)
- Future value / target
- Years
- Interest rate (% / year)
- Periods per year
The formula
FV = PV × (1 + i)^N + PMT × ((1 + i)^N − 1) ÷ i, where i is the rate per period and N the number of periods.
Worked example
Using the default values in the calculator:
- Solve for: Future value
- Present value / starting amount: 10000
- Payment each period (deposit): 200
- Future value / target: 50000
- Years: 10
- Interest rate (% / year): 6
- Periods per year: 12 (monthly)
| Future value | $50,969.84 |
Tips for better results
- Fill all fields, choose the one to solve for, and the rest are used as inputs.
- Use periods per year that match your payments.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing monthly rates with yearly periods.
- Entering payments with the wrong sign convention.
Please note: Calculators and guides give general estimates, not financial, tax or investment advice. Real offers depend on your lender, location and personal situation. See our Disclaimer.