Future Value Calculator
Written by Thierno Sadou Diallo, formula verified per our methodology • Last checked on 9/5/2026
The future value of an invested sum is calculated as FV = principal × (1 + rate)^number of years. Investing €10,000 for 10 years at 4% per year gives about €14,802, or €4,802 in interest earned.
Explanation
Future value answers the reverse question of present value: how much will a sum invested today at a given rate of return be worth in the future? This calculation assumes that interest is itself reinvested each year (compounding), so the principal grows exponentially rather than linearly — the same principle as the compound interest calculator, but limited to a single starting sum, with no regular monthly contribution. It's therefore suited to questions like 'if I invest €10,000 today and never touch it, how much will I have in 10 years?', while the compound interest calculator is better suited once a monthly contribution is added to the initial capital. The rate used should be net of fees and taxes to give a realistic estimate; combined with a 50/30/20 budget calculator, it also helps check whether a given investment plan fits within your broader savings goals over time.
Example: €10,000 invested for 10 years at 4% per year
Inputs
Initial amount: €10,000. Annual rate: 4%. Duration: 10 years.
Calculation
Future value = 10,000 × (1.04)^10 = 10,000 × 1.480244 ≈ €14,802.44. Interest earned = 14,802.44 − 10,000 = €4,802.44.
Result
€10,000 invested at 4% per year for 10 years becomes about €14,802, or €4,802 in accumulated interest.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference with the compound interest calculator?
The compound interest calculator adds a regular monthly contribution to the initial capital, in addition to compounding interest. This one is limited to a single starting sum, with no additional contribution: simpler to use when the question is only about how an already-existing sum will evolve.
Should the rate used be net or gross?
For a realistic estimate of future purchasing power, it's better to use a rate net of management fees and taxes (social contributions, income tax depending on the account type). A gross rate will give an optimistic future value, higher than what you would actually receive.
Why does growth accelerate over time?
Because each year, interest is calculated on a principal that has already been increased by previous years' interest: this is the effect of compounding. Over a long period, most of the final value often comes from accumulated interest rather than the initial principal.