Compound Interest Calculator

The Compound Interest Calculator is a valuable tool that helps you estimate how your money can grow over time through the power of compounding. By inputting your initial investment, annual interest rate, investment duration, and any yearly contributions, the calculator projects the total future value of your investment. It shows how your savings not only earn interest, but also how that interest earns additional interest each year, accelerating your wealth-building potential. Whether you’re saving for retirement, a big purchase, or simply want to understand how consistent investing pays off, this calculator gives you a clear picture of your financial growth over time.
To learn more about compound interest, read: What is Compound Interest and How it Works?

Compound Interest Calculator

Compound Interest Calculator

Simple and fast.

Inputs

Your starting balance.
Fixed nominal APR.
Amount added each contribution period.

Results

Final balance
Total contributed
Total interest
Time horizon
Yearly breakdown of balance, contributions, and interest
Year Start Balance Contributed Interest End Balance

What is Compound Interest?

Compound interest is the process of earning interest not only on your original investment (the principal) but also on the interest that investment has already generated. In other words, it’s “interest on interest,” and over time, it can significantly accelerate the growth of your money. Unlike simple interest, which is calculated only on the principal, compound interest allows your balance to grow faster because each interest payment is added back into the total, creating a snowball effect. The more frequently interest is compounded, whether daily, monthly, quarterly, or annually, the more dramatic the growth can be. This concept is often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world” because of its exponential potential, especially over long periods. Whether you’re saving in a high-yield account, investing in stocks, or paying off debt that compounds against you, understanding how compound interest works is essential for making informed financial decisions and leveraging time in your favor.

Why Compound Interest is Called the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’

Compound interest is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World” because of its extraordinary ability to grow wealth exponentially over time, a concept famously attributed to Albert Einstein. The nickname highlights just how powerful compounding can be when you give it time to work. At its core, compound interest turns small, consistent contributions into substantial sums by continually reinvesting the interest earned, which then generates even more interest. This snowball effect means that the longer your money stays invested, the faster it grows, often at a pace that surprises people when they see the numbers in action. For example, a modest monthly investment in a retirement account can balloon into a significant nest egg simply by letting compounding work uninterrupted for decades. The “eighth wonder” title is a reminder that the secret to financial success isn’t necessarily high returns or huge investments, it’s starting early, being consistent, and allowing time to amplify your results.

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