Investing
ETF Recurring Investment Calculator
Estimate future value from an initial ETF investment, monthly contribution, expected annual return, and investment period.
What does this calculator answer?
Recurring ETF investing can be modeled as an initial lump sum plus monthly contributions growing at an assumed return. Time and contribution amount usually drive most of the result.
Inputs
Results
Estimated future value
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Total contributed
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Estimated growth
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Formula
Future value = compounded initial investment + monthly contribution future value
Example
With $1,000 upfront, $300 per month, 6% annual return, and 20 years, total contributions are $73,000 and estimated future value can be meaningfully higher.
Common mistakes
- Using an unrealistically high expected return
- Assuming markets grow smoothly every year
- Ignoring fund expense ratios and taxes
Important note
This is a constant-return scenario, not a market forecast. ETF investments can lose value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Enter a negative annual return to model a downside scenario.
Yes. The model assumes end-of-month contributions and monthly compounding.
No. Use a more conservative expected return if you want to approximate fees and taxes.