How much of your investment balance is growth rather than new savings?
A rising account balance can come from contributions as well as investment returns. Separate starting capital, later deposits and modeled growth before interpreting the final amount.
Investment calculator →Understand the three displayed totals
The investment tool reports future value, total contributions and growth. Contributions include the initial amount and every end-of-month deposit; growth is the difference between final value and those contributions. This is an accounting separation within a projection, not a professional performance measure or a statement that the gain has been realized and can be withdrawn tax free.
Use zero return to check the inputs
Start with 2,000 and contribute 300 at each month end for one year. At zero return, both contributions and the ending value equal 2,000 + 12 × 300 = 5,600, while growth is zero. The account has increased by 3,600, but that increase is entirely new money. This simple scenario also checks that the number of contributions matches your intended saving period.
Do not infer an annual return from the wrong denominator
If the final value were 5,900, the difference from contributions would be 300. Dividing that by the original 2,000 and calling the result a 15% annual performance figure would ignore the timing of later deposits. The ROI tool can organize costs and proceeds, but it does not calculate a money-weighted return. Market fluctuations, taxes, fees and withdrawals need their own treatment rather than being hidden inside a smooth growth assumption.
Try the calculators
- Investment calculator
Project an investment with regular contributions.
- Compound interest
See how your savings can grow over time.
- Return on investment calculator
Calculate net gain and ROI from cost, final value, income and expenses.