Future Value Formula And Calculator
The future value formula helps you calculate the future value of an investment (FV) for a series of regular deposits at a set interest rate (r) for a number of years (t).
Using the formula requires that the regular payments are of the same amount each time, with the resulting value incorporating interest compounded over the term.
Future value of a series formula
A = PMT × (((1 + r/n)^(nt) - 1) ÷ (r/n))
The formula above assumes that deposits are made at the end of each period (month, year, etc). Below is a variation for deposits made at the beginning of each period:
A = PMT × (((1 + r/n)^(nt) - 1) ÷ (r/n)) × (1+r/n)
Where:
A = the future value of the investment, including interest
PMT = the payment amount per period
r = the annual interest rate (decimal)
n = the number of compounds per period
t = the number of periods the money is invested for
^ means 'to the power of'
Let's go through a couple of examples, so you can see the formula in action.
Future value formula example 1
An investment is made with deposits of $100 per month (made at the end of each month) at an interest rate of 5%, compounded monthly (so, 12 compounds per period). The value of the investment after 10 years can be calculated as follows...
PMT = 100. r = 5/100 = 0.05 (decimal). n = 12. t = 10.
If we plug those figures into formula 1, we get:
Total = [ PMT × (((1 + r/n)^nt - 1) ÷ (r/n)) ]
Total = [ 100 × (((1 + 0.00416)^(120) - 1) ÷ (0.00416)) ]
Total = [ 100 × (0.647009497690848 ÷ 0.00416) ]
Total = [ 15528.23 ]
So, the investment figure after 10 years will stand at $15,528.23.
Future value formula example 2
An individual decides to invest $10,000 per year (deposited at the end of each year) at an interest rate of 6%, compounded annually. The value of the investment after 5 years can be calculated as follows...
PMT = 10000. r = 6/100 = 0.06 (decimal). n = 1. t = 5.
Total = [ PMT × (((1 + r/n)^(nt) - 1) ÷ (r/n)) ]
Total = [ 10000 × (((1 + 0.06)^5 - 1) ÷ 0.06) ]
Total = [ 10000 × (0.3382255776 ÷ 0.06) ]
Total = [ 10000 × 5.63709296 ]
Total = [ 56370.9296 ]
Our investment balance after 5 years is therefore $56,370.93. This would be comprised of $50,000 in investment and $6,370.93 in interest.
Interactive future value formula
Use the calculator below to show the formula and resulting calculation for your chosen figures. Note that this calculator requires JavaScript to be enabled in your browser. Also, note that ^ means 'to the power of'
Should you wish to have a visual breakdown of deposits and interest over time, give our compound interest calculator a try.
We also have an article discussing the compound interest formula, which is often used in conjunction with the future value formula.
