Future Value Calculator
The finance-class FV calculation, done properly: lump sum, periodic payments, or both — with each formula's contribution broken out.
The future value formulas
Payments (ordinary annuity): FV = PMT × [(1 + r)n − 1] ÷ r
where r is the rate per period and n the number of periods. The calculator uses your compounding frequency for both.
$10,000 today at 6% compounded monthly for 10 years:
r = 0.005, n = 120 → FV = 10,000 × 1.005120 = 10,000 × 1.8194 = $18,194
Why FV matters beyond the classroom
Every financial plan is a future value problem in disguise: "what will my savings become" (savings), "will my 401(k) be enough" (retirement), "what does waiting cost me." The formula also runs backward — that's present value — and together they let you compare money across time, which is the entire foundation of finance. One caution: FV outputs are nominal dollars. $18,194 in 10 years buys what about $13,500 buys today at 3% inflation — check the real number with the inflation calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is future value?
What today's money becomes at a future date given a return: $10,000 at 6% → $17,908 in 10 years (annual compounding).
What is the future value formula?
Lump sum: PV(1+r)n. Payment stream: PMT((1+r)n−1)/r.
Future value vs. present value?
Inverses — FV multiplies by (1+r)n, PV divides by it.
Related calculators
Note: Assumes end-of-period payments (ordinary annuity) and a constant rate. Not financial advice. Last reviewed: July 2026.