Investment Return Calculator

See how your investments grow with regular contributions. Adjust for inflation to see the real purchasing power.

Last updated: January 2026

Investment Return Calculator

Enter your details to project investment growth.
Note: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Results are not financial advice. Consult a financial professional for decisions involving significant money. Full disclaimer

How investment returns work

Investment returns come from two sources: capital appreciation (the value of your assets going up) and income (dividends, interest). When you reinvest that income, you earn compound returns — returns on your returns. Over long periods, compounding is the most powerful force in investing.

The average annual return of the S&P 500 is historically about 10% before inflation (7% after inflation). Bond returns are lower, typically 3-5%. Your actual returns will vary based on your asset allocation, fees, and market conditions.

Nominal vs real returns

Nominal returns are the raw percentage increase. Real returns are adjusted for inflation and reflect actual purchasing power growth. This calculator shows both so you can see how inflation eats into your returns over time. A 7% nominal return with 3% inflation means a real return of only about 4%.

This is a projection. Actual returns vary.

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