How this annuity future value calculator works
The calculator projects a future value from the starting balance, regular contribution, fixed annual rate assumption, contribution frequency, contribution timing and number of periods. Ordinary annuity timing assumes contributions happen at the end of each period. Annuity due timing assumes contributions happen at the beginning.
Starting balance, regular contributions and timing
Starting balance is optional and can be left blank to use 0. Regular contributions are treated as fixed for the whole term. Beginning-of-period contributions have slightly more time to grow than end-of-period contributions.
What this does not include
This calculator provides a general estimate using simplified annuity maths. It is not a quote for a lifetime annuity or insurance product. It does not include insurer pricing, mortality assumptions, rider costs, surrender charges unless entered, taxes, inflation adjustments, commissions, product-specific caps, participation rates, state rules, or personal financial advice.
Key terms and assumptionsStarting balance, regular contribution, fixed rate, contribution frequency, ordinary annuity timing, annuity due timing and estimate limits.
- Starting balance
- Starting balance is optional and is treated as already available at the beginning of the estimate.
- Regular contribution
- Regular contribution is treated as the same fixed amount added in every selected period.
- Fixed interest rate
- Annual interest rate is treated as a fixed assumption and divided by the contribution frequency for the periodic rate.
- Contribution frequency
- Monthly, quarterly, semiannual and annual frequencies are supported. Frequency is also used as the compounding period in this simplified estimate.
- Ordinary annuity
- Ordinary annuity timing assumes each contribution happens at the end of the period.
- Annuity due
- Annuity due timing assumes each contribution happens at the beginning of the period.
- General estimate
- This calculator uses simplified fixed-term annuity maths and excludes insurance pricing, mortality assumptions, taxes, fees, inflation and personal financial advice.
Guides and methodology
Plain-English notes that explain the assumptions behind related calculators and tools.
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FAQs
What does this future value calculator estimate?
It estimates how a starting balance and fixed regular contributions may grow over a set term using the interest rate, frequency and timing entered.
Is this an annuity product recommendation?
No. It is simplified annuity-style future-value maths, not a recommendation, quote, insurer comparison or investment product analysis.
What is ordinary annuity vs annuity due?
Ordinary annuity timing assumes contributions happen at the end of each period. Annuity due timing assumes contributions happen at the beginning.
Does this guarantee an investment return?
No. The interest rate is only a fixed assumption for the estimate. Actual returns can vary and are not guaranteed.
Does it include taxes, fees or inflation?
No. It does not include tax, account fees, surrender charges, inflation, changing returns, product rules or personal financial advice.
How is this different from compound interest?
It is very similar to a recurring-contribution compound-growth estimate, but it also lets you compare ordinary annuity and annuity due contribution timing.