See how a starting balance plus regular contributions can grow over time when your returns compound. Drag the sliders to model different scenarios.
Final balance
$343,778
Contributed
$130,000
Interest
$213,778
| Year | Contributions | Interest | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $0 | $10,000 |
| 1 | $16,000 | $1,055 | $17,055 |
| 2 | $22,000 | $2,695 | $24,695 |
| 3 | $28,000 | $4,970 | $32,970 |
| 4 | $34,000 | $7,932 | $41,932 |
| 5 | $40,000 | $11,637 | $51,637 |
| 6 | $46,000 | $16,148 | $62,148 |
| 7 | $52,000 | $21,531 | $73,531 |
| 8 | $58,000 | $27,859 | $85,859 |
| 9 | $64,000 | $35,210 | $99,210 |
| 10 | $70,000 | $43,669 | $113,669 |
| 11 | $76,000 | $53,329 | $129,329 |
| 12 | $82,000 | $64,288 | $146,288 |
| 13 | $88,000 | $76,655 | $164,655 |
| 14 | $94,000 | $90,546 | $184,546 |
| 15 | $100,000 | $106,088 | $206,088 |
| 16 | $106,000 | $123,419 | $229,419 |
| 17 | $112,000 | $142,685 | $254,685 |
| 18 | $118,000 | $164,049 | $282,049 |
| 19 | $124,000 | $187,684 | $311,684 |
| 20 | $130,000 | $213,778 | $343,778 |
Compound interest is the interest you earn on both your original balance and on the interest that has already accumulated. Over long periods, this snowball effect can make even modest contributions grow into substantial sums. The earlier you start and the longer you stay invested, the more time compounding has to work in your favor.
Want to learn more? Read the full guide on compound interest, or see the exact formulas we use on the How We Calculate page.