Find out if you're actually on track for your goal.
Enter your balance, contributions, and timeline to see your projected future value, the gap, and the monthly amount needed to get there.
Why it matters: Saving toward a number without a plan is stressful. See whether you're on pace — and exactly what it takes to close any gap.
Example calculation
You have $20,000 today and want $500,000 in 25 years. You invest $800 a month in a mostly-stock portfolio assumed to return about 7%.
The projection lands above $500,000, so you're on track — but $500,000 in 25 years only buys what roughly $239,000 buys today after 3% inflation. That's why the calculator also shows your goal in today's dollars.
Are you on track for your investment goal?
This investment goal calculator answers a deceptively simple question: given what I have, what I'm adding, and how long I have, will I reach my target? Enter your current balance, monthly contribution, timeline, expected return, and inflation rate. The tool projects your future value, tells you whether you're on track, and calculates the exact monthly contribution needed to hit your goal.
How the projection works
The calculator compounds your current balance plus your monthly contributions at your expected return, month by month, to the end of your timeline. It then compares that projected value to your goal. If the projection meets or beats the target, you're on track; if not, it shows the shortfall and the higher monthly contribution that would close the gap.
The required-contribution formula
To find the monthly deposit you need, the tool grows your current balance to the end date, subtracts that from your goal, and solves the future-value-of-an-annuity formula for the remaining amount. The result is the steady monthly contribution that — compounded at your expected return — fills the gap exactly.
The asset-allocation simulator
Your expected return depends heavily on how you invest. The optional asset-mix simulator blends simple, educational placeholder assumptions for three building blocks:
- Stocks — higher expected return, higher volatility (assumed ~8%).
- Bonds — medium/low return, lower volatility (assumed ~3.5%).
- Cash / CDs — low return, lowest volatility (assumed ~1.5%).
Slide the allocation and the blended expected return updates automatically. These are illustrative assumptions, not forecasts of any real portfolio, and they deliberately ignore the year-to-year ups and downs that volatility creates.
Why the inflation-adjusted goal matters
A big round number like $1,000,000 feels concrete, but its purchasing power shrinks over time. The calculator shows your goal restated in today's dollars so you can sanity-check whether the target will actually fund the life you have in mind. If the real value looks small, you may want to aim higher or invest more.
Tips to stay on track
- Automate contributions so investing happens without willpower.
- Increase your monthly amount whenever your income rises.
- Revisit the projection yearly and adjust for real results.
- Run conservative and optimistic return scenarios, not just one.
Keep planning
Pair this with the dollar-cost averaging calculator to project steady investing, and the lump sum vs DCA calculator if you have a windfall to deploy. Every figure here is an educational estimate based on your inputs — not financial advice or a guarantee.
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Frequently asked questions
Educational use only — not financial advice
StockLeo is for educational purposes only and does not provide financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Calculations are estimates and may not reflect your full tax or financial situation. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.